bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthetic β-sheets mimicking fibrillar and oligomeric structures for evaluation of spectral X-ray scattering technique for biomarker quantification
Authors: Suresh Karthika , Dahal Eshan , Badano Aldo
Published: February 2024

Background

Archetypical cross-β spines sharpen the boundary between functional and pathological proteins including β-amyloid, tau, α-synuclein and transthyretin are linked to many debilitating human neurodegenerative and non-neurodegenerative amyloidoses. An increased focus on development of pathogenic β-sheet specific fluid and imaging structural biomarkers and conformation-specific monoclonal antibodies in targeted therapies has been recently observed. Identification and quantification of pathogenic oligomers remain challenging for existing neuroimaging modalities.

Results

We propose two artificial β-sheets which can mimic the nanoscopic structural characteristics of pathogenic oligomers and fibrils for evaluating the performance of a label free, X-ray based biomarker detection and quantification technique. Highly similar structure with elliptical cross-section and parallel cross-β motif is observed among recombinant α-synuclein fibril, Aβ-42 fibril and artificial β-sheet fibrils. We then use these β-sheet models to assess the performance of spectral small angle X-ray scattering (sSAXS) technique for detecting β-sheet structures. sSAXS showed quantitatively accurate detection of antiparallel, cross-β artificial oligomers from a tissue mimicking environment and significant distinction between different oligomer packing densities such as diffuse and dense packings.

Conclusion

The proposed synthetic β-sheet models mimicked the nanoscopic structural characteristics of β-sheets of fibrillar and oligomeric states of Aβ and α-synuclein based on the ATR-FTIR and SAXS data. The tunability of β-sheet proportions and shapes of structural motifs, and the low-cost of these β-sheet models can become useful test materials for evaluating β-sheet or amyloid specific biomarkers in a wide range of neurological diseases. By using the proposed synthetic β-sheet models, our study indicates that the sSAXS has potential to evaluate different stages of β-sheet-enriched structures including oligomers of pathogenic proteins.
Psychometric properties of the nine-item avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder screen (NIAS) in Turkish children
Authors: Öğütlü Hakan , Kaşak Meryem , Doğan Uğur , Zickgraf Hana F. , Türkçapar Mehmet Hakan
Published: February 2024

Background

The nine item avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder screen (NIAS) is a short and practical assessment tool specific to ARFID with three ARFID phenotypes such as “Picky eating,” “Fear,” and “Appetite”. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Turkish translation of the NIAS parent form and to investigate the relationship between ARFID symptoms and anxiety, depression symptoms, and eating behaviors in a sample of Turkish children.

Method

Parents were asked to provide their children's sociodemographic data and to complete the NIAS, Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire-Short (EDE-QS), Children's Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ), and Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS) scales.

Results

The sample included 440 participants between 6 and 12 ages. Turkish NIAS demonstrated good internal consistency. The three-factor model of the Turkish NIAS was in an acceptable structure. The Turkish NIAS scale was shown to be valid and reliable. NIAS scores were shown to be higher in underweight participants. The NIAS-parent version subscales showed expected convergent and divergent validity with the CEBQ, EDEQ-S, and RCADS scales in children, except CEBQ emotional overeating and desire to drink subscales were correlated with NIAS.

Conclusion

The Turkish version of the NIAS is valid and reliable in evaluating ARFID symptoms in children.
Trends in the disease burden of anxiety disorders in middle-aged and older adults in China
Authors: Zhi Zeng , Yan Shi , Yijuan He , Jiahuan Zheng , Xiaohan Jiang , Dandan Chen
Published: February 2024

Background

Anxiety disorders in middle-aged and older adults are an important public health concern in China. Based on the data in the global disease burden (GDB) research database, this study evaluated and analyzed the trend of the disease burden of middle-aged and older patients living with anxiety in China in the past 30 years.

Methods

The incidence and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) data of anxiety disorders in China for individuals aged 45–89 years were collected from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, and the effects of age, period, and cohort on the incidence of and DALY rate for anxiety disorders were analysed using an age-period-cohort model. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the global disease burden research database has not been updated since 2019. However, this did not affect the analysis of future trends in this study, which combined data in the past three decades from 1990 to 2019.

Results

(1) The overall age-standardised incidence rate (ASIR) and age-standardised DALY rate (ASDR) for anxiety disorders in middle-aged and older adults in China decreased by 4.0 and 7.7% from 1990 to 2019, respectively, and the ASIR and ASDR were always higher in women than in men. (2)Age-period-cohort analysis showed that the net drifts for incidence and DALY rate were − 0.27% and − 0.55% per year, respectively. For both genders, the local drifts for incidence were lower than zero in those aged 45–79 years and higher than zero in those aged 80–89 years; the local drifts for the DALY rate were lower than zero in all groups. (3) From the 1990–1994 to 2015–2019, the relative risks of anxiety disorder incidence and DALY decreased by 5.6 and 7.3% in men and 4.3 and 11.7% in women, respectively.

Conclusion

The disease burden of anxiety disorders in middle-aged and older adults in China has been relieved over the past 30 years; however, recent ASDR, ASDR, period, and cohort effects have shown adverse trends. The incidence and DALY rate decreased with age in women, while men showed a trend of increasing first and decreasing afterwards.
The regeneration policy and housing issue. The Italian case read through the history of Foggia (IT)
Authors: Annese Mariella , Ariola Laura , Mezzapesa Ilaria Lucia , Roberto Natalia
Published: February 2024

Urban regeneration is aimed at improving settlement contexts, and indirectly at solving the housing issue. In Italy there is no national regulation on urban regeneration, but many policies from 2000 up to now have resorted to it with the aim of intervening and containing the housing problem. The work examines the city of Foggia, in southern Italy, an area in a demographic contraction, but equally characterized by “high housing tension”, indeed there are numerous eviction proceedings, in the private and public sector of the house, and, as a consequence, phenomena of illegal occupation housing, abandoned buildings, informal settlements. The research will look at how in the last 20 years various national public funding (among these, the last PNRR—Piano Nazionale di Ripresa e Resilienza derived from the Next Generation EU) and regional ones have resorted to urban regeneration strategies to address the problem, reporting failures, gaps and relevant issues.
How changes in depression severity and borderline personality disorder intensity are linked – a cohort study of depressed patients with and without borderline personality disorder
Authors: Söderholm John J. , Socada J. Lumikukka , Ekelund Jesper , Isometsä Erkki
Published: February 2024

Background

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is often complicated by comorbid major depressive episodes (MDEs), which can occur as part of major depressive disorder (MDD) or bipolar disorder (BD). Such comorbidity is related to worse outcomes in both disorders. Subsyndromal features of BPD are also common in depression. However, studies of simultaneous changes in BPD and depression severities are scarce, and their interactions are poorly understood.

Aims

Studying the associations between changes in BPD and depression symptoms over the course of an MDE.

Methods

In a 6-month naturalistic cohort study of MDE/BPD, MDE/MDD, and MDE/BD patients (N = 95), we measured change in BPD features between baseline and six months with the Borderline Personality Disorder Severity Index (BPDSI), an interviewer-rated instrument quantifying recent temporal frequency of BPD symptoms. We examined changes in BPD severity and their correlation with depression severity and other clinical measures and compared these across patient groups.

Results

There were significant reductions in BPD severity, both in number of positive BPD criteria (-0.35, sd 1.38, p = 0.01672) and in BPDSI scores (-4.23, SD 6.74, p < 0.001), reflecting mainly a reduction in temporal frequency of symptoms. These were similar in all diagnostic groups. In multivariate regression models, changes in depression severity independently associated with changes in symptoms in the BDSI. This relationship was strongest in MDE/BPD patients but was not found in MDD patients without BPD.

Conclusions

In the six-month follow-up, BPD features in MDE patients alleviated mainly by decreasing temporal symptom frequency and intensity. In BPD patients with comorbid MDE, changes in both conditions are strongly correlated.
Mechanism of composite passivators to reduce cadmium absorption and accumulation in Chinese cabbage on cadmium-polluted soil
Authors: Feng Jihong , He Ji , Song Lihong , Liu Hongyan , Liao Chaoxuan , Mao Chun
Published: February 2024

Background

The accumulation of heavy metals, including cadmium (Cd), in soil endangers the quality of agricultural products and can harm human health. At present, the application of passivators is a relatively efficient, quick, and economical way to address this problem. In the experimental site of the present study, the effects of different composite passivators (red mud + lime + phosphorite powder, red mud + lime + biochar, lime + humic acid + seafoam, seafoam + biochar + red mud, seafoam + biochar + phosphorite powder) on the physiology and biochemistry of Chinese cabbage were investigated.

Results

After passivator application, the soil’s effective state Cd content was reduced, and the Cd content, bioconcentration factor (BCF), transfer coefficient (TF), oxidative stress, and antioxidant enzyme activity levels of Chinese cabbage leaves and stalks were reduced to different degrees. The reduction of reactive oxygen species content was mainly owing to passivator application, which reduced the degree of oxidative stress and increased the content of osmotic substances, the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and the ability to scavenge hydroxyl radicals. The soluble protein content of Chinese cabbage was mainly increased by an increase in the content of osmotic substances and non-enzymatic antioxidant substances and a reduction in the inhibition of protein synthesis.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the reduction of reactive oxygen species was the main cause of the reduction of Cd accumulation, transport, and toxicity in leaves. The increase in soluble protein was the main cause of the reduction of Cd accumulation, transport, and toxicity in petioles.

Graphical Abstract
Quantitative analysis of change in bone volume 5 years after sinus floor elevation using plate-shaped bone substitutes: a prospective observational study
Authors: Takafuji Kyoko , Oyamada Yutaro , Hatakeyama Wataru , Kihara Hidemichi , Shimazaki Nobuko , Fukutoku Akihiro , Satoh Hiroaki , Kondo Hisatomo
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Tricalcium phosphate (TCP) has osteoconductive ability and reportedly offers similar clinical results as autogenous bone grafts in dental implant treatment. However, few reports quantify temporal changes in augmented bone volume after sinus augmentation. We aimed to establish a three-dimensional (3D) quantification method to assess bone volume after sinus augmentation and to evaluate biocompatibility of the TCP plate.

Methods

Maxillary sinus floor augmentation was performed employing the lateral window technique, and plate-shaped β-TCP (TCP plate) was used instead of granular bone grafting materials. After lifting the sinus membrane, the TCP plate was inserted and supported by dental implants or micro-screws. The changes in bone volumes in the maxillary sinus before and after surgery were recorded using cone-beam computed tomography, saved as Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine-formatted files, and transformed to Standard Triangle Language (STL)-formatted files. Pre- and post-operative STL data of bone volume were superimposed, and the augmented bone volume was calculated. Moreover, changes in bone volumes, TCP plate resorption rates, and bone heights surrounding the implants were three dimensionally quantified.

Results

Fifteen implants in nine subjects were included in this study. TCP plates secured long-term space making, with results similar to those of granular bone substitutes. Newly formed bone was identified around the implant without bone graft material. TCP plate was absorbed and gradually disappeared.

Conclusions

A novel 3D quantification method was established to evaluate changes in bone volume. Clinical application of TCP plate in sinus augmentation could be a better procedure in terms of prognosis and safety.
Study protocol for the Screen-Free Time with Friends Feasibility Trial
Authors: Sørensen Sarah Overgaard , Larsen Kristian Traberg , Høy Teresa Victoria , Hansen Anders Blædel Gottlieb , Jago Russell , Kristensen Peter Lund , Toftager Mette , Grøntved Anders , Gejl Anne Kær
Published: February 2024

Background

Children are spending less leisure time with their friends in person and an increasing amount of time with digital screens. These changes may negatively affect children’s physical and mental health. The Screen-Free Time with Friends Feasibility Trial will test the feasibility, including acceptability and compliance, of an intervention designed to reduce screen media usage and encourage physical interaction with friends during leisure time in 9–11-year-old children.

Methods

A non-randomized single-group feasibility trial will be conducted from March to October 2023 including approximately 75 children (aged 9–11 years) and 75 parents (at least 1 per child) from 3 different schools recruited from 3 different municipalities in Denmark. The Screen-Free Time with Friends intervention is a multicomponent intervention targeting families, afterschool clubs, and local communities. It has been developed using a systematic process guided by the Medical Research Council UK’s framework for developing and evaluating complex interventions. With a systems perspective in mind, the intervention and implementation approach has been designed to facilitate adaptation to the specific needs of diverse local communities while maintaining the core components of the intervention.

Feasibility and acceptability of the intervention will be assessed during the intervention using process evaluation inspired by the RE-AIM framework including questionnaires and interviews with the municipality project managers, research team members, local ambassadors and stakeholders, parents and school, and afterschool club personnel. In addition, participation, recruitment, retention rate, and compliance to the outcome measurements will be investigated and presented.

Discussion

The trial will investigate the feasibility and acceptability of the Screen-Free Time with Friends intervention, the recruitment strategy, and the planned outcome measurements. This feasibility study will investigate necessary refinements before the implementation of the intervention program in a larger cluster randomized controlled trial to evaluate its impact.

Trial registration.

ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT05480085. Registered 29 July 2022. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05480085?cond=Screen+free+time+with+friends&draw=2&rank=1
Characteristics of four commonly used self-expanding biliary stents: an in vitro study
Authors: Tsauo Jiaywei , Fu Yan , Liu Yue , Zhang Xiaowu , Zhao He , Li Xiao
Published: February 2024

Background

Knowledge of the characteristics of self-expanding metal stents (SEMSs) is essential during selection process to ensure the best therapeutic outcomes for patients with malignant biliary obstruction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of four commonly used SEMSs.

Methods

This in vitro study analyzed the radial force (RF), crush resistance (CR), axial force (AF), conformability, surface quality, foreshortening, and radiopacity of the following SEMSs: uncovered Wallflex™, EGIS single bare, Zilver 635®, and E-Luminexx™. Two samples of each SEMS type were included in this study, all having identical specifications with a diameter of 10 mm and a length of 6 cm. One sample from each type was analyzed for surface quality, followed by CR, conformability, and foreshortening. The other sample was analyzed for radiopacity, followed by RF and AF.

Results

The uncovered Wallflex™ exhibited low RF, high CR, high AF, good conformability, poor surface quality, high foreshortening, and good radiopacity. The EGIS single bare demonstrated high RF, high CR, low AF, moderate conformability, good surface quality, high foreshortening, and poor radiopacity. The Zilver 635® displayed moderate RF, low CR, low AF, moderate conformability, moderate surface quality, no foreshortening, and good radiopacity. The E-Luminexx™ showed high RF, moderate CR, high AF, poor conformability, poor surface quality, no foreshortening, and good radiopacity.

Conclusions

There was considerable variation in the characteristics among the four evaluated SEMSs. These characteristics should be carefully considered during selection to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes for patients.

Relevance statement

The selection of self-expanding metal stents for treating malignant biliary obstruction requires careful consideration of various characteristics, including their radial force, crush resistance, axial force, conformability, surface quality, foreshortening, and radiopacity.

Key points

• The characteristics of self-expanding metal stents (SEMSs) can vary considerably.

• Specific situations may warrant the use of SEMSs with particular characteristics over others.

• Characteristics of SEMSs must be considered during selection for optimal outcomes.

Graphical Abstract
Calibrating sub-grid scale models for high-order wall-modeled large eddy simulation
Authors: Duan Zhaowen , Wang Z. J.
Published: February 2024

High-order methods have demonstrated orders of magnitude reduction in computational cost for large eddy simulation (LES) over low-order methods in the past decade. Most such simulations are wall-resolved implicit LES (ILES) without an explicit sub-grid scale (SGS) model. The use of high-order ILES for severely under-resolved LES such as wall-modeled LES (WMLES) often runs into robustness and accuracy issues due to the low dissipation embedded in these methods. In the present study, we investigate the performance of several popular SGS models, the static Smagorinsky model, the wall-adapting local eddy-viscosity (WALE) model and the Vreman model, to improve the robustness and accuracy of under-resolved LES using high-order methods. The models are implemented in the high-order unstructured grid LES solver called hpMusic based on the discontinuous flux reconstruction method. The length scales in these SGS models are calibrated using the direct numerical simulation (DNS) database for the turbulent channel flow problem. The Vreman model has been found to produce the most accurate and consistent results with a proper choice of the length scale for WMLES.
Tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloprotinase-1 and collagen type IV in HCV-associated cirrhosis and grading of esophageal varices
Authors: Abdalla Nasser Mohamed , El Aziz Fatma Mohamed Abd , Deghady Akram , Abaza Mohamed Helmy , Ellakany Walid Ismail
Published: February 2024

Background

Esophageal varices are abnormally dilated submucosal veins of the esophagus which develop as a result of portal hypertension due to cirrhosis. Collagen type IV is upregulated with a 14-fold increase in cirrhosis. Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) is also upregulated during hepatic fibrogenesis and considered to promote fibrosis in the injured liver. The objective of this research was to study the serum levels of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloprotinase-1 and serum collagen type IV in patients with post hepatitis C cirrhosis and their relation to the different grades of esophageal varices.

Patients and methods

This study was carried out on one hundred and twenty individuals classified into three groups: Group I included thirty patients with liver cirrhosis without esophageal varices. Group II included sixty patients with liver cirrhosis with esophageal varices. Group III included thirty healthy volunteers as controls.

Results

A significant positive correlation was found between collagen type IV and the presence of esophageal varices in esophageal varices group (p = 0001*). Also, a significant positive correlation was found between TIMP-1 and the presence of esophageal varices in esophageal varices group (p = 0.033*). After conducting multivariate logistic regression analysis, collagen type IV and INR were found to be independent risk factors for esophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis.

Conclusion

The serum collagen type IV and TIMP-1 levels are useful markers for predicting of presence of esophageal varices.
Medical malpractice’s impacts and simulation training’s ability to diminish its effects: a systematic review
Authors: Ali Mahmoud , Tejada Branden
Published: February 2024

Medical malpractice is described as an error made by medical providers towards their patients. For many years, this form of negligence has permeated healthcare and continues to leave a negative impact. Medical malpractice’s impact influences medical providers, families, and patients. This review article aims to explore the presence of medical malpractice in the healthcare setting and how it leaves an imprint on all parties involved through findings included in the relevant literature. It has been proved that medical errors cause medical providers to view their patients as future plaintiffs and practice defensive medicine. This practice leads to unnecessary and often harmful implications on patient care. Additionally, it has been proven that the impacts of medical malpractice especially harm patients who are deterred physically, mentally, socially, and financially. Despite the extensive harm caused by medical malpractice, it is a dilemma that could be reduced through mandated simulation training for health professionals. Simulation training has proven successful in limiting medical malpractice and if applied on a larger scale could lead to even better results.
Assessment of sensitivity of acoustic reflex decay test in diagnosis of patulous eustachian tube
Authors: Attia Alia Ali Ahmed , Abou-Setta Alaa Eldin Ahmed , Ashary Yehia Mohammed
Published: February 2024

Background

It has long been believed that the patulous eustachian tube is a unique but uncommon condition, with an estimated incidence ranging from 0.3 to 6.6% in the general population. Hearing one’s own voice and breathing, or autophony and aerophony, are the most common symptoms of PET, along with frequent auditory fullness.

Aim

This study is to establish a standardized protocol for the audiological evaluation of patulous Eustachian tube using acoustic reflex decay test during different breathing tasks.

Methods

Between January 2022 and December 2022, the ENT department at Suez Canal University Hospitals undertook an observational case-control study. Fifty-two adult patients who present to the Suez Canal University ENT department with complaints of autophony, auditory fullness, or aerophony are diagnosed with patulous eustachian tube dysfunction through endoscopic examination of the tympanic membrane’s synchronized movement with respiration.

Results

The incidence rate of PET among adults was approximately 3 patients/1000 patients/year. The age of the whole studied group ranged from 20 to 60 years with mean ± SD of 37.4 ± 12.6 years. They included 23 males (44.2%) and 29 females (55.8%). The most common symptom among the studied group was aural fullness (46%), while the least common symptom was aerophony (12%); the most common risk factor among the studied patients was allergy (46.2%), while the least common was radiotherapy (3.9%); 66.7% of the patients with GERD were males, while 66.7% of the patients who lost weight were females; 58.3% of the patients with allergies were females, and also 60% of the patients with thin built were females. In the case group, there is a significant higher change of middle ear compliance in ipsilateral nostril breathing than the mouth breathing and nasal breathing. The sensitivity of the acoustic reflex decay test to diagnose PET with reference to the gold standard test is 88.5% (23/26*100), the specificity is 100% (26/26*100), and the positive predictive value is 100% (23/23*100).

Conclusion

The sensitivity of the acoustic reflex decay test to diagnose PET with reference to the gold standard test is high, and the specificity is very high with very good diagnostic accuracy.
Dissection of mRNA ac4C acetylation modifications in AC and Nr fruits: insights into the regulation of fruit ripening by ethylene
Authors: Ma Lili , Zheng Yanyan , Zhou Zhongjing , Deng Zhiping , Tan Jinjuan , Bai Chunmei , Fu Anzhen , Wang Qing , Zuo Jinhua
Published: February 2024

N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) modification of mRNA has been shown to be present in plant RNAs, but its regulatory function in plant remains largely unexplored. In this study, we investigated the differentially expressed mRNAs, lncRNAs and acetylation modifications of mRNAs in tomato fruits from both genotypes. By comparing wild-type (AC) tomato and the ethylene receptor-mutant (Nr) tomato from mature green (MG) to six days after the breaker (Br6) stage, we identified differences in numerous key genes related to fruit ripening and observed the corresponding lncRNAs positively regulated the target genes expression. At the post-transcriptional level, the acetylation level decreased and increased in AC and Nr tomatoes from MG to Br6 stage, respectively. The integrated analysis of RNA-seq and ac4C-seq data revealed the potential positive role of acetylation modification in regulating gene expression. Furthermore, we found differential acetylation modifications of certain transcripts (ACO, ETR, ERF, PG, CesA, β-Gal, GAD, AMY, and SUS) in AC and Nr fruits which may explain the differences in ethylene production, fruit texture, and flavor during their ripening processes. The present study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms by which acetylation modification differentially regulates the ripening process of wild-type and mutant tomato fruits deficient in ethylene signaling.

Graphical Abstract
The effectiveness of geothermal systems in cooling residential buildings: a case study of a residential building in Alexandria, Egypt
Authors: Fouad Heba , Mahmoud Ayman H. , Moussa Rania Rushdy
Published: February 2024

The urbanization of cities, the corroding of green areas, and the increasing demand for electric energy lead to the formation of heat islands in cities and the appearance of the global climate change phenomenon.

Therefore, it was necessary to resort to the use of renewable energy sources, such as geothermal energy, to be used in different applications, as it can be used to cool buildings in cities during the summer.

This research deals with the benefits of using geothermal energy systems, their different types, and the possibility of their application in Egypt. Also discussing the effectiveness of the vertical closed geothermal system in residential buildings in Alexandria Governorate in Egypt to reach an answer to a question.

The effectiveness of the geothermal energy system in residential buildings is to reduce the problem of rising temperatures, energy consumption for cooling, and carbon emissions and thus reduce the problem of the formation of heat islands in cities and the appearance of the global climate change phenomenon and reaching a sustainable, environmentally friendly building that achieves thermal comfort for humans through the use of a simulation program called TRNSYS-17, through which the current situation of the building was compared and the addition of a vertical closed geothermal system was assumed, the extent of its effectiveness was compared in the whole building, and the cost of a vertical closed geothermal system and a traditional air conditioning system (HVAC) in a building was compared (case study).

Hence, the efficiency of the vertical closed geothermal system appeared to reduce electric energy consumption and carbon emissions in the whole building at Alexandria in Egypt, especially the ground floor, which reached thermal comfort for humans and worked to reduce electricity consumption and carbon emissions by up to 22.93% in the building as a whole.
Modeling acoustic wavefields from moving sources in the presence of a time-varying free surface
Authors: Almuteri Khalid , Shragge Jeffrey , Sava Paul
Published: February 2024

Marine vibrators are increasingly being recognized as a viable alternative to seismic airguns for ocean-bottom acquisition due to their ability to generate more low-frequency content and their less adverse impact on marine wildlife. However, their use introduces processing challenges, such as the Doppler effect and time-dependent source-receiver offsets, which are negligible in conventional airgun acquisition. In addition, the time-varying nature of the sea surface during the multisecond acquisition time introduces further challenges for processing and inversion. To accurately account for source motion and time-varying sea-surface effects in seismic data processing, we develop a reliable and robust numerical modeling tool. We use a mimetic finite-difference method in a generalized coordinate system to model the full acoustic wavefield triggered by a moving source in the presence of a time-varying sea surface. Our approach uses a time- and space-dependent coordinate transformation, which tracks the source movement and conforms to the irregular time-varying sea surface, to map an irregular physical domain in Cartesian coordinates to a regular computational domain in generalized coordinates. We formulate this coordinate transformation such that the coordinate systems conformally match below the ocean-bottom level. Numerical examples demonstrate that this approach is accurate and stable, even for an unrealistically exaggerated sea state. This computational tool is not limited to modeling but also could be used to develop advanced processing techniques for marine vibrator data, such as imaging and inversion.
Inversion of fracture weakness parameters based on 3C vertical seismic profile data — Part I: Horizontal transversely isotropic media composed of a single fracture set in the isotropic background media
Authors: Yang Yuyong , Stovas Alexey , Qi Qiaomu , Zhou Huailai
Published: February 2024

Natural fractures in oil and gas reservoirs are a crucial factor that cannot be ignored because they significantly influence the reservoir’s petrophysical properties and hydrocarbon development. A horizontal transversely isotropic (HTI) medium composed of a single fracture set in an isotropic background is a typical anisotropic medium. Meanwhile, the S-wave splitting is a sensitive response of such anisotropic media, resulting in the generation of fast and slow S waves. The normal and tangential fracture weaknesses are crucial parameters that characterize the anisotropy of fractured media. We develop an inversion method for fracture weakness based on 3C vertical seismic profiling (3CVSP) data. First, assuming weak anisotropy and an HTI medium containing a single fracture set, we derive a first-order linear approximation of the traveltimes of the converted fast and slow S waves (PS1 and PS2 waves) with respect to fracture weakness parameters in the phase velocity domain. By solving for the horizontal projection of the slowness vector, approximate equations of the traveltimes of the PS1 and PS2 waves are converted from the phase velocity domain to the group velocity domain. Furthermore, we devise an inversion workflow consisting of three primary steps: (1) preprocessing the VSP data to derive the traveltimes and azimuth of the HTI medium, (2) constructing a forward model with undetermined fracture weakness parameters, and (3) following the establishment of the objective function, conducting the inversion for the fracture weakness parameters. We demonstrate the reliability of the method through numerical examples and synthetic 3CVSP data. The inversion errors are primarily influenced by the azimuth angle, with minimal influence from the receiver depth. Furthermore, a collective set of inverted results derived from all geophones is more stable and accurate than individual geophones. The application to actual 3CVSP data further confirms the effectiveness of our approach.
Postoperative Upper Airway Blood Clot After Tonsillectomy Requiring a Suction Catheter Without Side Holes for Removal: A Case Report
Authors: Ellefsen Sandra , Kristensen Michael Seltz
Published: February 2024

We present a case of acute dyspnea due to postoperative oral bleeding after tonsillectomy, wherein a blood clot obscured the laryngeal structures to such an extent that no recognizable structures could be identified. A larger-bore suction catheter without side holes proved necessary to solve the problem. The case illustrates how a gradually forming blood clot can remain asymptomatic until reaching a size where it poses an airway threat and highlights the necessity for readily available larger-bore suction devices without side holes. We consider this as an important reminder of the unpredictable nature of blood clot formation and its management.
Το ισλαμικόν δίκαιον εν τω πλαισίω της διεθνούς ποινικής δικαιοσύνης μετ΄ εμφάσεως εις τα εγκλήματα πολέμου
Authors: Πατσαβέλλας Λάμπρος
Published: February 2024

Σκοπός της παρούσης διδακτορικής διατριβής είναι η ανάδειξις των αρχών του ισλάμ και ιδίως του ΄΄ιερού πολέμου΄΄ (γκεχάντ), εν παραλληλισμώ προς τας αρχάς εκείνας αι οποίαι αφορούν τον κλάδο του διεθνούς ποινικού δικαίου που ασχολείται με το καθεστώς του πολέμου και ήδη των ενόπλων συρράξεων. Το ενδιαφέρον και η καινοτομία ταυτόχρονα, που καλείται να εισφέρει η παρούσα διατριβή έγκειται εις το γεγονός ότι δια πρώτην φορά, συστηματικώς, υφίσταται μία καταγραφή των ισλαμικών αρχών επί του ΄΄ιερού πολέμου΄΄ και των ενόπλων συρράξεων, εν συμμείξει προς τας αρχάς και τα προτάγματα της διεθνούς ποινικής δικαιοσύνης μέσα από τη θεωρία και την πρακτική της διεθνούς κοινωνίας και του κράτους δικαίου, πράγμα το οποίο κλήθηκε να προσδώσει η παρούσα διατριβή μέσα από τα εννέα, συνολικά, της κεφάλαια. Τέλος, εις το επίμετρον αυτής, προτείνονται λύσεις αναφορικώς προς την δημιουργία ενός λειτουργικού και συμβατού πλαισίου μεταξύ ισλαμικού και διεθνούς ποινικού δικαίου προς καλυτέραν εξυπηρέτησιν του σκοπού της αποτελεσματικωτέρας αντιμετωπίσεως των διεθνών ποινικών εγκλημάτων.
Design and test of novel scent enrichments to enhance breeding of zoo-housed lemurs
Authors: Elwell Emily , Fontani Sara , Vaglio Stefano
Published: February 2024

Background Zoos use environmental enrichments, including scents, which may have applications to improve breeding success for taxa, such as lemurs, which rely heavily on olfactory communication. We aimed to develop novel, biologically-relevant scent enrichments to trigger mating behaviours of zoo-housed lemur species, which are critically endangered in the wild and show a low success rate in captive breeding programmes. Methods We examined anogenital odour secretions, released by female gentle (Hapalemur alaotrensis) and ruffed (Varecia variegata) lemurs, using solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry techniques. We identified the key compounds distinguishing the volatile chemical profile of female lemurs during the breeding season and used them to develop species-specific scent enrichments. We then tested the scent enrichments, made up of synthesized mixtures conveying information about female lemur fertility, on unsuccessful breeding pairs of lemurs hosted in European zoos. We evaluated the effects of the newly designed scent enrichments on their target species by combining behavioural observations with faecal endocrinology. Results We identified and reproduced fertility-specific signals associated with female scents. These scent mixtures triggered male sexual behaviours, including mating, during and after the enrichment condition. We also found effects on faecal testosterone levels, with increased levels after the enrichment condition albeit not statistically significant. Conclusions Our findings suggest that biologically-relevant scent enrichments may trigger natural species-specific behaviours, with potential implications for conservation breeding of zoo-based endangered lemur species, and highlight that combining more assessment methods may assist with evaluating the impact of environmental enrichments.
Prediction of Bioethanol from Production of Lignocellulosic Biomass Waste from Agriculture and Livestock Using Regression Analysis Model
Authors: Ludfiani Dini Dwi , Arianti Forita Dyah , Prabowo Agung , Haryanto Bambang , Megawati Megawati , Sasongko Nugroho Adi
Published: February 2024

Background Every year, the food supply must need to increase to accommodate population growth and food consumption increases. It causes the production of lignocellulosic biomass waste (LBW) in Indonesia from sector of agriculture and livestock also increase. Contrast to energy supply, energy demand increases but energy supply from fossil fuel become limit. More than 80% of LBW is dumped or burned, whereas the LBW has the potential as raw material of sustainable bioenergy, especially bioethanol to replace or mix with fossil fuel. This study aimed to predict the bioethanol production from potential of LBW to optimize its utilization. Potential of LBW production is estimated based on production of LBW lignocellulose component (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin). The novelty of this study is obtained predicted values for bioethanol production based on LBW production using a regression analysis model. Methods The data of LBW production is calculated based on converting waste of the crops production (for agriculture sector) and animal unit (AU) (for livestock sector). The data of LBW consist of rice straw, corn stover, sugarcane bagasse, cassava peel, paunch content, and feces. This study use linear regression analysis model to predict bioethanol production from LBW. Results Estimation average LBW lignocellulose production in Indonesia is around 104.47 million tons, and can produce around 59.98 billion gallons (227.01 billion liters) of bioethanol. The regression model based on lignocellulose production (R2) was 0.9925 (cellulose), 0.9848 (hemicellulose), and 0.9294 (lignin). Production of LBW in Indonesia is highest in Southeast Asia and has increased 2.07% per year because crops production, ruminant population, and ruminants slaughtered increase. This value will continue to increase, same with bioethanol production from LBW production. Conclusions Overall, Indonesia has potential to produce bioethanol from LBW. Using the entire the LBW for bioethanol make it possible to meet domestic energy demands in a sustainable.
Learner experiences of safety at public high schools in three South African townships: Baseline findings from the National School Safety Framework learner surveys
Authors: Kutywayo Alison , Mabetha Khuthala , Naidoo Nicolette P. , Mahuma Tshepo , Njobe Paseka , Hlongwane Ronelle , Mullick Saiqa
Published: February 2024

Background Despite progressive policies and frameworks on school safety by the Department of Basic Education, safety remains a concern in South African schools. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed using the National School Safety Framework (NSSF) 152-question learner survey, exploring perceptions and experiences pertaining to eight safety domains: dangerous objects, drugs and alcohol, bullying, verbal abuse, physical violence, discrimination, sexual violence, and journey to and from school. Grade 9-11 learners from 15 government-funded high schools in the Girls Achieve Power trial in Khayelitsha, Soweto, and Thembisa townships were surveyed (March 2018 - April 2019), sampling 10% of the school population. Data analysis included Principal Component Analysis (PCA), reducing correlated variables into fewer questions, then analysis on a scree plot by calculating eigenvalues; repeated PCA with those that had a minimum eigenvalue of 1 and Cronbach Alpha test for internal reliability. Eleven composite variables were included in the final analysis. Results In total, 1034 learners completed the NSSF learner survey; 52.9% were female and the mean age was 16 years (SD=1.36). Results show statistically significant associations between four of the 11 composite variables in relation to sex. Over half (55%) of males have experienced peer provocation and relational aggression (p<0.001). Fifty-eight percent of females reported feeling unsafe on their way to and from school (p<0.003). Over half of males reported that their school was not effective in enforcing discipline (p=0.002) while 58% of females noted they could comfortably report any form of experienced or witnessed violence at school, to their educators (p<0.000). Conclusions Violence continues to be a concern in South African schools. Interventions should work across the ecological model to effectively prevent and reduce violence at school and community levels. Strengthened NSSF implementation is critical to achieving this. We recommend NSSF learner survey adaptations to increase utility and implementation.
Examining patterns of patient adherence to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in chronic physical illnesses and comorbid mental health disorders: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Khan Almas , O’Leary Olivia F. , Corcoran Paul , Kelleher Eric , Fahmi Ismail Muhammad , Hursztyn Pawel , Arensman Ella
Published: February 2024

Objective To examine the patient adherence patterns to Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) intervention in persons living with long term physical illness and co-occurring mental health conditions. Introduction Current literature on patient treatment adherence is mostly focused on the medical/pharmacological treatment or is disorder/ therapy specific and does not address co-occurring or comorbid mental health disorders with physical health disorders in general. The objective of this scoping review is to provide insights into adherence behaviours and patterns outside of pharmacological intervention focusing on psychotherapeutic intervention specifically Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) in persons living with long-term medical conditions with co-existing mental health disorders/ conditions. The results of the review will highlight different aspects of adherence to CBT including facilitating and impeding factors influencing adherence, and variations across comorbid mental and physical health conditions. These results will aid in developing targeted CBT interventions and strategies to improve adherence rates. Furthermore, identifying gaps in the existing literature will guide future research to optimise health outcomes in this population. Inclusion Criteria Using the Population, Concept, and Context (PCC) criteria, studies will be included if they reported on patient adherence patterns of CBT in persons living with chronic medical conditions and co-occurring mental health conditions. Methods The scoping review will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines for scoping review and reported according to the PRISMA-ScR checklist. A systematic search of PubMed, CINAHL Plus (including full academic search, APA PsychInfo, and Medline), Scopus, Cochrane library, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and University College Cork (UCC) library’s one search platform will be conducted. The JBI standard data extraction tool will be tailored to the review objectives. The findings will be presented using a descriptive and narrative approach.
First economically and environmentally viable mobile commercial metallurgical plant based on advanced hydrometallurgical and electrochemical technologies able to produce cobalt metal from spent lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Forte Flavia , Moscardini Emanuela , Coletta Jacopo , Toro Luigi , Yurramendi Lourdes , Hidalgo Jokin , Ipiñazar Enrique , Siriwardana Amal , Riano Sofia , Peeters Nand , Osen Karen , Martinez Ana Maria , Gebarowski Wojciech
Published: February 2024

Background To counter climate change, it will be necessary to have a major transition of both energy and mobility systems. Electrification of mobility is one essential part of the solution. Nearly 65% of Cobalt is mined in Africa (e.g. Central African Republic and Democratic Republic of the Congo) and this dependency makes Europe vulnerable. It is essential to develop an efficient and robust technology capable of recycling this kind of waste. Methods Due to the risk of supply and to decrease the dependency of Europe in obtaining Cobalt, the first economically and environmentally viable mobile commercial metallurgical plant based on advanced hydrometallurgical and electrochemical technologies has been constructed (referenced as CROCODILE), which is able to produce cobalt metal from black mass from waste streams of spent batteries. The process validated on a pilot scale is made up of three different sections: leaching, liquid-liquid extraction and electrolysis. The first has the purpose of carrying out a selective leaching for cobalt, the second aims removing impurities from the lye and concentrating it into cobalt and the third concerns the recovery of metallic cobalt. During the intense demonstration campaign carried out, the optimization of the operating parameters of the whole process was carried out. Results From the experimental campaign carried out on the pilot scale, the following process yields were obtained: cobalt leaching 88.4%; maximum extraction of cobalt about equal to 60%; cobalt recovery of 63%wt in electrowinning. Conclusion A novel and innovative process for the recovery of Cobalt from black mass coming from the lithium-ion batteries has been validated at pilot scale. The Cobalt recovery rate and the purity obtained together with the low environmental impact of this process compared to conventional ones can contribute to both a greener future and make Europe independent from other markets such as that of China..