bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing the hemodynamic effects of ketamine versus fentanyl bolus in patients with septic shock: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mostafa Maha , Hasanin Ahmed , Reda Basant , Elsayad Mohamed , Zayed Marwa , Abdelfatah Mohamed E.
Published: August 2024

Background

Ketamine and fentanyl are commonly used for sedation and induction of anesthesia in critically ill patients. This study aimed to compare the hemodynamic effects of ketamine versus fentanyl bolus in patients with septic shock.

Methods

This randomized controlled trial included mechanically ventilated adults with septic shock receiving sedation. Patients were randomized to receive either 1 mg/kg ketamine bolus or 1 mcg/kg fentanyl bolus. Cardiac output (CO), stroke volume (SV), heart rate (HR), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured at the baseline, 3, 6, 10, and 15 min after the intervention. Delta CO was calculated as the change in CO at each time point in relation to baseline measurement. The primary outcome was delta CO 6 min after administration of the study drug. Other outcomes included CO, SV, HR, and MAP.

Results

Eighty-six patients were analyzed. The median (quartiles) delta CO 6 min after drug injection was 71(37, 116)% in the ketamine group versus − 31(− 43, − 12)% in the fentanyl group, P value < 0.001. The CO, SV, HR, and MAP increased in the ketamine group and decreased in the fentanyl group in relation to the baseline reading; and all were higher in the ketamine group than the fentanyl group.

Conclusion

In patients with septic shock, ketamine bolus was associated with higher CO and SV compared to fentanyl bolus.

Clinical trial registration

Date of registration: 24/07/2023. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05957302. URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05957302.
Clinical and radiological outcome of surgical hallux valgus correction: open versus minimally invasive
Authors: Pappas Andreas , Hönning Alexander , Schmittner Marc D. , Ekkernkamp Axel , Gümbel Denis
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Hallux valgus (HV) is the most common forefoot deformity. Surgical correction of HV aims to reduce pain, preserve joints, and re-establish foot function while restoring the hallux valgus angle (HVA) and intermetatarsal angle (IMA). Many surgical procedures have been proposed, including open and minimally invasive (MI) techniques. This study aimed to compare the midterm outcomes of open vs. MI procedures and their impact on the duration of surgery, hospital stay, HVA, and IMA post-operatively.

Materials and methods

One hundred and twenty HV patients operated by open or MI surgery between October 2019 and October 2022 were included. One hundred three patients met the inclusion criteria and consented to the study. Patients were prospectively surveyed for foot functionality, post-operative pain, and complications using the AOFAS score. Radiographic measurements of HV angles, length of hospital stay, and surgery duration were analysed.

Results

MI surgery patients had significantly better AOFAS scores (p < 0.001) 12 months post-operatively compared to open surgery. Complication rates were lower in the MI group (3.8% vs. 33.3%, p < 0.001). MI surgery patients also had shorter hospital stays (0.9 ± 0.3 days vs. 2.0 ± 0.0 days) and surgery duration (19.7 ± 2.3 min vs. 80.7 ± 6.8 min). MI surgery was more effective in correcting the IMA but equally effective as open surgery for HVA correction.

Conclusion

MI surgery resulted in better patient satisfaction, fewer complications, and more precise correction of IMA values. Moreover, the duration of surgery and hospital stay were significantly lower in patients undergoing MI surgery. Further research is needed to validate these findings in controlled, prospective randomised trials.
The application of chromatographic methods in optimization and the enhancement of the oxidative liquefaction process to wind turbine blade recycling
Authors: Muzyka Roksana , Sajdak Marcin , Sobek Szymon , Mumtaz Hamza , Werle Sebastian
Published: August 2024

The concept of the circular economy aims to maximise the longevity of raw materials, materials, and final goods while simultaneously minimising waste generation. In order to accomplish this objective, researchers are currently exploring emission-free recycling methods and advancing a novel oxidative liquefaction methodology. This process is employed to efficiently degrade the polymer matrix which we can find among other things in wind turbine blades while also conducting chromatographic investigations of the resulting degraded resins. The conducted experiments included a temperature range spanning from 250 °C to 350 °C. The residence lengths varied from 30 to 90 min, while the pressures ranged from 20 to 40 bars. Additionally, the waste-to-liquid ratios were within the range of 5–25%, and the oxidant concentrations were between 15 and 45% by weight. The study’s results will help improve the design of the experiments by focusing on getting the highest concentrations of oxygenated chemical compounds, such as volatile fatty acids, aromatic hydrocarbons, and aromatic carboxylic acids. These compounds are the main chemicals obtained during resin degradation, and identifying the optimal conditions for their production will facilitate the implementation of this process on a larger scale.

Graphic abstract
Comparison of olanzapine 2.5 mg and 5 mg in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: a Japanese nationwide database study
Authors: Suzuki-Chiba Hiroe , Konishi Takaaki , Aso Shotaro , Makito Kanako , Matsui Hiroki , Jo Taisuke , Fushimi Kiyohide , Yasunaga Hideo
Published: August 2024

Background

Olanzapine is prescribed as prophylaxis for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting at a dose of 2.5 or 5 mg in Asian countries. We compared the effectiveness of olanzapine 2.5 mg and 5 mg in preventing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting among patients receiving high-emetogenic chemotherapy for lung cancer.

Methods

Using a Japanese national inpatient database, we identified patients who received olanzapine doses of 2.5 or 5 mg during high-emetogenic chemotherapy for lung cancer between January 2016 and March 2021. We conducted a 1:1 propensity score-matched analysis with adjustment for various factors, including those affecting olanzapine metabolism. The outcomes were additional antiemetic drug administration (within 2–5 days after chemotherapy initiation), length of hospital stay, and total hospitalization costs.

Results

Olanzapine 2.5 and 5.0 mg were used in 2905 and 4287 patients, respectively. The propensity score-matched analysis showed that olanzapine 2.5 mg administration was significantly associated with a higher proportion of additional antiemetic drug administration (36% vs. 31%, p < 0.001) than olanzapine 5 mg. The median length of hospital stay was 8 days in both groups. Total hospitalization cost did not differ significantly between the two doses of olanzapine (5061 vs. 5160 USD, p = 0.07). The instrumental variable analysis demonstrated compatible results.

Conclusion

Prophylactic use of olanzapine 2.5 mg during chemotherapy for lung cancer was associated with a higher rate of additional antiemetic drugs than olanzapine 5 mg.
SSP: self-supervised pertaining technique for classification of shoulder implants in x-ray medical images: a broad experimental study
Authors: Alzubaidi Laith , Fadhel Mohammed A. , Hollman Freek , Salhi Asma , Santamaria Jose , Duan Ye , Gupta Ashish , Cutbush Kenneth , Abbosh Amin , Gu Yuantong
Published: August 2024

Multiple pathologic conditions can lead to a diseased and symptomatic glenohumeral joint for which total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) replacement may be indicated. The long-term survival of implants is limited. With the increasing incidence of joint replacement surgery, it can be anticipated that joint replacement revision surgery will become more common. It can be challenging at times to retrieve the manufacturer of the in situ implant. Therefore, certain systems facilitated by AI techniques such as deep learning (DL) can help correctly identify the implanted prosthesis. Correct identification of implants in revision surgery can help reduce perioperative complications and complications. DL was used in this study to categorise different implants based on X-ray images into four classes (as a first case study of the small dataset): Cofield, Depuy, Tornier, and Zimmer. Imbalanced and small public datasets for shoulder implants can lead to poor performance of DL model training. Most of the methods in the literature have adopted the idea of transfer learning (TL) from ImageNet models. This type of TL has been proven ineffective due to some concerns regarding the contrast between features learnt from natural images (ImageNet: colour images) and shoulder implants in X-ray images (greyscale images). To address that, a new TL approach (self-supervised pertaining (SSP)) is proposed to resolve the issue of small datasets. The SSP approach is based on training the DL models (ImageNet models) on a large number of unlabelled greyscale medical images in the domain to update the features. The models are then trained on a small labelled data set of X-ray images of shoulder implants. The SSP shows excellent results in five ImageNet models, including MobilNetV2, DarkNet19, Xception, InceptionResNetV2, and EfficientNet with precision of 96.69%, 95.45%, 98.76%, 98.35%, and 96.6%, respectively. Furthermore, it has been shown that different domains of TL (such as ImageNet) do not significantly affect the performance of shoulder implants in X-ray images. A lightweight model trained from scratch achieves 96.6% accuracy, which is similar to using standard ImageNet models. The features extracted by the DL models are used to train several ML classifiers that show outstanding performance by obtaining an accuracy of 99.20% with Xception+SVM. Finally, extended experimentation has been carried out to elucidate our approach’s real effectiveness in dealing with different medical imaging scenarios. Specifically, five different datasets are trained and tested with and without the proposed SSP, including the shoulder X-ray with an accuracy of 99.47% and CT brain stroke with an accuracy of 98.60%.
Negative Pragmatic Transfer in Bilinguals: Cross-Linguistic Influence in the Acquisition of Quantifiers
Authors: Mazzaggio Greta , Stateva Penka
Published: August 2024

Building on the cross-linguistic variability in the meaning of vague quantifiers, this study explores the potential for negative transfer in Italian-Slovenian bilinguals concerning the use of quantificational determiners, specifically the translational equivalents of the English “many”, that is the Slovenian "precej" and "veliko". The aim is to identify relevant aspects of pragmatic knowledge for cross-linguistic influence. The study presents the results of a sentence-picture verification task in which Slovenian native speakers and Italian-Slovenian bilinguals evaluated sentences of the form "Quantifier X are Y" in relation to visual contexts. The results suggest that Italian learners of Slovenian, unlike Slovenian native speakers, fail to distinguish between "precej" and "veliko". This finding aligns with the negative transfer hypothesis. The study highlights the potential role of pragmatic knowledge in cross-linguistic transfer, particularly in the context of vague quantifiers.
Assessment of reactive-control compression ignition engine performance and emissions using spirulina microalgae biodiesel in conjunction with methanol as low-reactive fuel
Authors: Munimathan ArunKumar , Rajendran Silambarasan , Ağbulut Ümit
Published: August 2024

Due to their numerous uses and great fuel economy, diesel engines have been around for millennia. Despite these benefits, diesel engines have been found to pollute the environment severely. Most of the problems were caused by these engines' combustion processes, engine loads, and exhaust particles. The RCCI engine used in the experiment has 20% lower fuel and 80% high reactive fuel. In this research, methanol, and algae biodiesel blends with dimethyl ether acted as lower and higher reactive fuels, respectively, and these fuels were used to analyze the performance and emission in the RCCI engine. Among the 80% of high reactive fuel, blends contain different proportions of algae biodiesel and diethyl ether such as 32B, 28B4ME, 24B8ME, 20B12ME, and 16B16ME. A single-cylinder, four-stroke RCCI engine with a speed of 1500 rpm is used for the experiment. In the tests, the brake power is varied from 1 to 5 kW with an interval of 1 kW. In the results, BTE, BSFC, and EGT engine performance as well as NOX, HC, CO2, and smoke emissions. According to the experimental findings, the fuel properties of 16B16ME show a calorific value of 34.7 /MJ kg-1 and BTE shows improvement for all additive added fuel and 16B16ME shows higher BTE of 32.5% than other fuel blends, Similarly NOx emission also reduced for 628 ppm for 16B16ME than other fuel blends. Therefore 16B16ME is a suitable blend than other blends in RCCI engine based on the experimental results achieved in the present research.
Comparison of thermogravimetry response of alkali-activated slag and Portland cement pastes after stopping their hydration using solvent exchange method
Authors: Bílek Vlastimil , Švec Jiří , Másilko Jiří , Sedlačík Martin , Materak Kalina , Wieczorek Alicja , Koniorczyk Marcin , Hajzler Jan , Kucharczyková Barbara
Published: August 2024

The critical step for any subsequent instrumental analysis of cementitious binders is to stop their hydration reactions, i.e., to remove free water. One of the most available techniques is a solvent exchange method. However, the solvents are known to be strongly bound in ordinary Portland cement (OPC) paste and alter the results of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and sensitive hydrates, while their effect on TGA response of alkali-activated slag (AAS) has not been comprehensively investigated. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to track the effects of fundamental aspects of the solvent exchange on the TGA response of AAS with different sodium activators (hydroxide, carbonate, waterglass) and to support these results by X-ray diffraction and effluent gas analysis. All solvents used (acetone, diethyl ether, isopropyl alcohol, ethanol, and methanol) affected the TGA response of all tested pastes, and their effect was enhanced by prolonged immersion time. All solvents induced an additional mass loss at around 800 °C and, especially for OPC paste, increased in situ carbonation, even in an inert atmosphere. Methanol and ethanol had a detrimental effect on ettringite and decreased the basal distance of the C–(A)–S–H gel, while they only marginally affected gaylussite. For AAS, hydration stoppage by washing out the alkali-rich pore solution with water was also investigated and can usually be recommended (except for its detrimental effect on gaylussite), as it is more efficient than organic solvents, which lack solubility for activators. Methanol and ethanol are the most suitable alternatives, particularly for NaOH.
Mechanical reconfigurable infrared filter for stress sensing applications
Authors: Ali Nouran M. , Ali Tamer A.
Published: August 2024

In this study, we introduce a novel tunable infrared filter design aimed at stress sensor applications such as health monitoring, advanced robotics and industrial automation. The design utilizes a double-layer plasmonic frequency-selective surface (FSS) of indium tin oxide (ITO) with an aerogel inter-space region. The unique feature of this design is its ability to control the transmission pattern based on the stress exerted, which alters the distance between the two filter layers. Our approach employs both numerical simulations and a simplified model grounded in equivalent circuit theory and the transfer matrix method for accurate transmission pattern estimation where the sensor achieved a sensitivity of 20nm/MPa for average stress of 14MPa and spectrum range ($$\lambda >800 nm$$

λ
>
800
n
m

). The work provides an in-depth analysis of how layer dimensions and inter-layer distance influence both transmission and force, taking into account the elastic properties of the inter-space material.
“God is my vaccine”: the role of religion, conspiracy beliefs, and threat perception in relation to COVID-19 vaccination
Authors: Rabinovitch Aleksandra , Bliuc Ana-Maria , Strani Katerina , Łycyniak Ewa , Cristea Mioara
Published: August 2024

Religious and conspiracy beliefs are based on the assumption that a potent force exists which is capable of affecting people’s destinies. According to compensatory control theory, the belief in such a potent external agent may serve to alleviate feelings of uncertainty and help restore a sense of control. This is of particular relevance and importance to attitudes and behaviour of religious individuals towards vaccinations during the Covid-19 pandemic, where a belief in such a potent external force controlling events and destinies may have lowered the sense of threat posed by Covid-19 and in turn reduced vaccination uptake. To test this, we conducted a cross-sectional study of highly religious adults in Poland (N = 213) and found that the number of COVID-19 vaccine doses taken was negatively predicted by conspiracy beliefs, perceived closeness to God, and frequency of church attendance, and positively predicted by the perceived COVID-19 threat. Furthermore, mediation analysis revealed that both conspiracy beliefs and perceived closeness to God were related to a decreased perception of the COVID-19 threat, which in turn led to a decreased number of vaccine doses received. Our study offers important insights for public health professionals and identifies further research pathways on conspiracy and religious beliefs in relation to health-related behaviours.
Unique associations between strategies of coping with COVID-19-related stress and internalizing symptoms in a clinical sample of adolescents
Authors: Haugland Bente Storm Mowatt , Hysing Mari , Danielsen Yngvild Sørebø , Compas Bruce E. , Knudsen Flygel Linda H. , Håland Åshild Tellefsen , Wergeland Gro Janne H.
Published: August 2024

Youth internalizing symptoms increased significantly during COVID-19, suggesting a need for more knowledge on how to prevent youth mental health problems during future widespread societal health crises. This cross-sectional study examined coping strategies and how these were associated with internalizing problems in a clinical sample of youth during COVID-19. Youth (13–19 years) referred to mental health treatment for internalizing problems were assessed 6–18 months into the pandemic. Participants (N = 160, mean age = 15.8 years, SD = 1.2; 80% female, 5% non-binary) completed the Response to Stress Questionnaire, assessing COVID-19 stress, coping strategies, and involuntary stress responses. Internalizing symptoms were evaluated by the Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale and the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire. Results showed that coping strategies were associated with internalizing symptoms, after controlling for sex, age, and COVID-19-related stress. Youth using primary control coping had lower levels of anxiety whereas those using secondary control coping strategies had fewer depressive symptoms and fewer involuntary disengagement responses. Secondary control coping (i.e., adapting to the situations) was the most frequent strategy. The highest COVID-19 stressors reported were insecurity about the future, and having to change, postpone or cancel important plans/events. Thus, in a clinical sample of youth, unique associations were found between the type of coping strategy and levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms. During future pandemics and societal health crises, measures to reduce unpredictability in everyday life and insecurity about the future should be implemented, followed by interventions to support adaptive coping strategies.
Genome-wide identification of HSP90 gene family in Rosa chinensis and its response to salt and drought stresses
Authors: Xu Jun , Liu Shuangwei , Ren Yueming , You Yang , Wang Zhifang , Zhang Yongqiang , Zhu Xinjie , Hu Ping
Published: August 2024

Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is important for many organisms, including plants. Based on the whole genome information, the gene number, gene structure, evolutionary relationship, protein structure, and active site of the HSP90 gene family in Rosa chinensis and Rubus idaeus were determined, and the expression of the HSP90 gene under salt, and drought stresses in two rose varieties Wangxifeng and Sweet Avalanche were analyzed. Six and eight HSP90 genes were identified from R. chinensis and Ru. idaeus, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the analyzed genes were divided into two Groups and four subgroups (Classes 1a, 1b, 2a, and 2b). Although members within the same classes displayed highly similar gene structures, while the gene structures and conserved domains of Group 1 (Class 1a and 1b) and the Group 2 (Class 2a and 2b) are different. Tandem and segmental duplication genes were found in Ru. idaeus, but not in R. chinensis, perhaps explaining the difference in HSP90 gene quantity in the two analyzed species. Analysis of cis-acting elements revealed abundant abiotic stress, photolight-response, and hormone-response elements in R. chinensis HSP90s. qRT-PCR analysis suggested that RcHSP90-1–1, RcHSP90-5–1 and RcHSP90-6–1 in Sweet Avalanche and Wangxifeng varieties played important regulatory roles under salt and drought stress. The analysis of protein structure and active sites indicate that the potential different roles of RcHSP90-1–1, RcHSP90-5–1, and RcHSP90-6–1 in salt and drought stresses may come from the differences of corresponding protein structures and activation sites. These data will provide information for the breeding of rose varieties with high stress resistance.
Risk of glaucoma to subsequent dementia or cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Xiaoran , Chen Wenjing , Zhao Wenxia , Miao Mingsan
Published: August 2024

Background

Substantial evidence supports that glaucoma and dementia share pathological mechanisms and pathogenic risk factors. However, the association between glaucoma, cognitive decline and dementia has yet to be elucidated.

Objective

This study was aimed to assess whether glaucoma increase the risk of dementia or cognitive impairment.

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases for cohort or case-control studies were searched from inception to March 10, 2024. The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS) was used to the risk of bias. Heterogeneity was rigorously evaluated using the I2 test, while publication bias was assessed by visual inspection of the funnel plot and by Egger’ s regression asymmetry test. Subgroup analyses were applied to determine the sources of heterogeneity.

Results

Twenty-seven studies covering 9,061,675 individuals were included. Pooled analyses indicated that glaucoma increased the risk of all-cause dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and cognitive impairment. Subgroup analysis showed that the prevalence of dementia was 2.90 (95% CI: 1.45–5.77) in age ≥ 65 years and 2.07 (95% CI: 1.18–3.62) in age<65 years; the incidence rates in female glaucoma patients was 1.46 (95% CI: 1.06-2.00), respectively, which was no statistical significance in male patients. Among glaucoma types, POAG was more likely to develop dementia and cognitive impairment. There were also differences in regional distribution, with the highest prevalence in the Asia region, while glaucoma was not associated with dementia in Europe and North America regions.

Conclusion

Glaucoma increased the risk of subsequent cognitive impairment and dementia. The type of glaucoma, gender, age, and region composition of the study population may significantly affect the relationship between glaucoma and dementia.
LabLinking: theory, framework, and solutions of connecting laboratories for distributed human experiments
Authors: Schultz Tanja , Putze Felix , Reisenhofer Rafael , Fehr Thorsten , Meier Moritz , Mason Celeste , Ahrens Florian
Published: August 2024

We introduce the concept of LabLinking: a technology-based interconnection of experimental laboratories across institutions, disciplines, cultures, languages, and time zones - in other words human studies and experiments without borders. In particular, we introduce a theoretical framework of LabLinking, describing multiple dimensions of conceptual, organizational, and technical aspects. The framework defines LabLinking levels (LLL), which describe the degree of tightness of empirical interconnection between labs. In several examples, we describe the technological infrastructure in terms of hard- and software required for the respective LLLs and share insights about the challenges and benefits. This comprises the connection of multiple labs in a collection of multiple synchronized biosignals (including an MRI scanner) for a decision making study, a human-robot interaction study to investigate attention-adaptive communication behavior, as well as an experiment for LabLinking through Virtual Reality in a virtual commerce setting, for an increased feeling of immersion. In sum, we argue that LabLinking provides a unique platform for a continuous exchange between scientists and experimenters, thereby enabling a time synchronous execution of experiments performed with and by decentralized users and researchers, allowing to establish novel experimental designs that would not be feasible without LabLinking, such as the investigation of high-resolution neural signals in everyday activity situations, which was realized by interconnecting a control participant in an fMRI with an execution participant in a kitchen environment.
Doing urban research on ‘hard-to-reach’ populations during the COVID-19 pandemic: advantages and ethical dilemmas using digital ethnography as a new alternative
Authors: Bhanye Johannes , Kachena Lameck , Matamanda Abraham , Shayamunda Ruvimbo
Published: August 2024

This paper presents insights on conducting urban research amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the adoption of digital ethnography as an innovative and flexible approach. Drawing from an expanding body of literature on fieldwork among 'hard-to-reach' populations during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, we share our experiences from a study on the socio-economic impacts of mandatory lockdowns on poor urban residents in Harare, Zimbabwe. Our research highlighted several methodological benefits of digital ethnography, including its non-intrusive and non-intimidating nature, cost and time efficiency, ability to increase participant diversity, assurance of respondent safety, research flexibility, and the generation of impactful data. Unlike traditional immersive ethnography, digital ethnography proved adept at navigating the complexities of the 'global', 'local', and 'trans-local' dimensions of contemporary urban research subjects. However, this approach also presents several ethical challenges. These challenges include obtaining informed consent, ensuring confidentiality and anonymity, participants' potential misunderstanding of the research context, the risk of exacerbating stress during crises, and respecting privacy in digital spaces. Urban researchers must carefully consider these ethical issues before undertaking their studies. In conclusion, virtual environments have become integral to modern life and represent essential avenues for urban researchers, particularly during periods of limited physical interaction and when studying populations that are difficult to reach in person but more accessible online. Further, the adoption of digital ethnography, extends beyond the necessity imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. It reflects an ongoing evolution in ethnographic practices, adapting to the realities of a digitally connected world. We suggest that urban researchers should think of digital ethnographic ethics from the point of view of reciprocal and mutual collaboration with participants. With this thinking, urban research subjects become co-participants and co-researchers rather than subjects of exploitation in the expanding and complex digital space.
Petrography and geomechanical properties of some mine waste rocks from the Tarkwaian Group in Ghana: implications for their use as aggregates in general engineering works
Authors: Sunkari Emmanuel Daanoba , Mensah Bismark , Asare Edmund Nana
Published: August 2024

This research investigated some mine waste rocks from the southwestern part of the Tarkwaian Group in Ghana to check their suitability for general engineering works using petrography and geomechanical characteristics of the rocks. The rocks were subjected to a total of ten (10) tests, including Aggregate impact value (AIV), Aggregate crushing value (ACV), Loss Angeles abrasion (LAA), Specific gravity (SG), and Water absorption (WA), as well as flakiness and elongation index, slake durability (SD), chloride test (CT), sulphate test (ST), and ten percent fines (TPF). The tests were carried out per the American Society for Testing and Materials guidelines (ASTM). The following average test results were obtained: AIV (7.12%), ACV (15.60%), LAA (23.16%), TPF (269.7 kN), sulphate (0.0215%), chloride (0.00123%), flakiness (39.5%) and elongation (39.4%). The mine waste rocks are dominated by quartz and sericite, according to the petrographic examination and thus, can be classified as quartzites. Except for the flakiness and elongation index tests, all the results were consistent with the ASTM standards. The analysis carried out on the selected mine waste rocks from the southwestern part of the Tarkwaian Group could be catastrophic for heavy engineering works such as roads, bridges, and heavy buildings but can be used for pavements, lightweight buildings, monuments, and decoratives due to the percentage of quartz present to compensate for the weakness posed by the sericite.
Thermoelectrohydrodynamic convection in a finite cylindrical annulus under microgravity
Authors: Kang Changwoo , Mutabazi Innocent , Yoshikawa Harunori N.
Published: August 2024

Numerical simulations of thermoelectrohydrodynamic convection in a dielectric liquid inside a finite-length cylindrical annulus with a fixed temperature difference have been performed with increasing high-frequency electric tension under microgravity conditions. The electric field, coupled with the permittivity gradient, generates a dielectrophoretic buoyancy force whose non-conservative part can induce thermoelectric convection in the liquid. The liquid remains in a conductive state below a critical value of the applied electric voltage. At a critical value, a supercritical bifurcation occurs from the conductive state to a convective state made of stationary helicoidal vortices. A further increase of electric voltage leads to oscillatory helicoidal vortices and then to wavy patterns before spoke patterns dominate the convective flow. The dielectrophoretic force is shown to enhance the heat transfer from the hot to cold walls due to induced convective flows. Particularly, these results demonstrate that the dielectrophoretic buoyancy force holds promise to replace the gravitational force to induce efficient heat transfer in microgravity conditions, and they contribute to a better fundamental understanding of heat transfer in microgravity.
Psychiatrische Begutachtung von Rechtsbrechern mit Substanzkonsumstörung auf Grundlage der Neufassung des § 64 StGB
Authors: Soyka Michael
Published: August 2024

Zusammenfassung: Hintergrund: Zum 01.10.2023 ist ohne weitere Übergangsfrist die Novellierung des § 64 StGB, der die Unterbringung psychisch kranker Rechtsbrecher mit Suchterkrankungen im Maßregelvollzug regelt, in Kraft getreten. Die Neufassung ist deutlich restriktiver als die bisherige Regelung und bringt für den psychiatrischen Gutachter und Kliniker einige Neuerungen mit sich. Ziel: Wesentliche Neuerungen für den forensischen Gutachter werden dargestellt. So muss zur Frage des Vorliegens und des Schweregrads einer Substanzkonsumstörung, möglicher Folgeschäden, dem Zusammenhang der Störung mit der Anlasstat und den Erfolgsaussichten einer möglichen Unterbringung nach § 64 StGB Stellung genommen werden. Relevante Aspekte der Novellierung werden dargestellt. Schlussfolgerung: Die Novellierung wird zu erheblichen Veränderungen in der Begutachtung und Rechtsprechung führen.
Mechanisms and Morphological Time Scales of Avulsed Channel Process on the Modern Yellow River Delta
Authors: Li Wei , Zhu Lehong , Hu Peng , Cheng Niansheng
Published: August 2024

The modern Yellow River Delta (YRD) has witnessed frequent channel avulsions followed by the morphological processes of “wandering‐ short‐lived braiding ‐merging” in history. However, process‐based investigation and relevant physics behind these processes remain poorly constrained. The present study complements the understanding for this evolution through numerical experiments. This is achieved by applying a two‐dimensional (2‐D) depth‐averaged fully coupled morphodynamic model that considers the feedbacks of sediment‐laden flow and bed deformation to a schematized fan‐shaped YRD. Under an uneven bed of uniform sediment, the avulsed processes of “wandering‐ short‐lived braiding ‐merging” during new channel routing on the YRD are satisfactorily reproduced by the present modelling in terms of the time evolution of planar channel pattern and channel length. Moreover, the mechanisms of the avulsed evolution have been elucidated through factor analysis on delta slope, incoming flow‐sediment conditions and artificial trenching, etc. It is suggested that morphological stability could be reached when a single meandering channel is finally sustained, of which the time scale is 4–8 years echoing the documented data of abandoned channels on the YRD. In addition, quantitative criteria have been advocated to help distinguishing the sub‐stages of the avulsed evolution together with the characteristic pattern judgement. Based on the above, implications for the YRD management are discussed.
Amazonian Drought May Have Long-Lasting Effects on Carbon Cycle
Authors: Owen Rebecca
Published: August 2024

Dry conditions stemming from the 2015–2016 El Ni�o caused significant carbon loss.
Zonal‐Mean N2 and Ar Densities and Temperatures in Mars Thermosphere From MAVEN
Authors: Forbes Jeffrey M. , Zhang Xiaoli , Fang Xiaohua , Benna Mehdi
Published: August 2024

Measurements of Ar and N2 densities at 160–250 km altitude from the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) Neutral Gas and Ion Mass Spectrometer (NGIMS) during February 2015–February 2023 are analyzed to provide a comprehensive analysis of their diurnal‐ and zonal‐mean (DZM) structures, and ZM (solar‐synchronous) diurnal (DW1) and semidiurnal (SW2) tides. After applying a solar flux trend correction, multi‐year binning and averaging with respect to longitude, local solar time (LST), latitude and Ls at each height results in the first full global picture of these components of the ZM thermosphere for a single climatological Mars year. The following new observational insights into Mars thermosphere are obtained: The DZM N2 latitude versus Ls (latvsLs) structures contain a prominent latitudinally‐symmetric annual component (∼±25%–35%) due to the eccentricity of Mars orbit around the Sun, and an antisymmetric component (∼±30%–45%) below about 190 km that is seasonally‐symmetric and thus consistent with the tilt of Mars rotation axis. Aperiodic deviations from these symmetries increase with height and are tentatively attributed to dissipation of waves originating in the lower atmosphere. DW1 and SW2 maximize around 200–220 km altitude, suggesting existence of an unknown dissipation mechanism at higher altitudes. The DZM, DW1 and SW2 components of Ar generally exceed those of N2 by factors of 1.4–2.5. The scale heights of Ar and N2 between 205 and 245 km are also employed to derive DZM exosphere temperatures, which reflect aperiodic ∼±15K deviations from the annual‐mean in the latvsLs frame.
Branched Crustal Flow and Its Dynamic Significance in Sanjiang Area, Eastern Tibetan Plateau——Insights From 3‐D Magnetotelluric Imaging
Authors: Cui Tengfa , Chen Xiaobin , Fan Ye , Liu Zhongyin , Li Wenqiao
Published: August 2024

The crustal material from central Tibet is extruded in a clockwise direction along a belt on the eastern plateau. In the inner arc region of the escaping belt, the absence of key and detailed 3‐D crustal resistivity structure hinders a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic processes of material escape in both the inner and outer arc regions. Here, we conducted magnetotelluric imaging and obtained the crustal 3‐D resistivity structure in Sanjiang area. The results reveal the presence of two branched high‐conductivity anomaly belts in the middle crust. Combining with other resistivity and velocity models, we speculated that crustal flow is widely distributed in the middle crust of the Chuan‐Dian block. The crustal flow in the Sanjiang area may connect to that in the outer arc region. The crustal flow in the eastern part is extensively continuous, causing decoupling and flowing that facilitate intense horizontal movements and deformation of the upper crust. In the western Sanjiang area, the upper crust is strongly coupled with the lithosphere beneath the decoupling layer, resulting in weaker horizontal deformation, and fewer larger earthquakes. The initially weak crustal zone in the eastern Tibet may have been caused by uplift of hot mantle material. The high heat flow associated with uplift of hot mantle material and the frictional heating caused by the horizontal movement of weakly coupled crust further facilitated the formation of crustal flow in the outer arc region. The branched crustal flow in the Sanjiang area may have flowed from the outer arc region of the escaping belt.
Synthesis of model heterojunction interfaces reveals molecular-configuration-dependent photoinduced charge transfer
Authors: Royakkers Jeroen , Yang Hanbo , Gillett Alexander J. , Eisner Flurin , Ghosh Pratyush , Congrave Daniel G. , Azzouzi Mohammed , Andaji-Garmaroudi Zahra , Leventis Anastasia , Rao Akshay , Frost Jarvist Moore , Nelson Jenny , Bronstein Hugo
Published: August 2024

Control of the molecular configuration at the interface of an organic heterojunction is key to the development of efficient optoelectronic devices. Due to the difficulty in characterizing these buried and (probably) disordered heterointerfaces, the interfacial structure in most systems remains a mystery. Here we demonstrate a synthetic strategy to design and control model interfaces, enabling their detailed study in isolation from the bulk material. This is achieved by the synthesis of a polymer in which a non-fullerene acceptor moiety is covalently bonded to a donor polymer backbone using dual alkyl chain links, constraining the acceptor and donor units in a through space co-facial arrangement. The constrained geometry of the acceptor relative to the electron-rich and -poor moieties in the polymer backbone can be tuned to control the kinetics of charge separation and the energy of the resultant charge-transfer state giving insight into factors that govern charge generation at organic heterojunctions.
Self-care behaviors, medication adherence status, and associated factors among elderly individuals with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Amerzadeh Mohammad , Shafiei Kisomi Zahra , Senmar Mojtaba , Khatooni Marzieh , Hosseinkhani Zahra , Bahrami Mahdie
Published: August 2024

Elderly individuals face an increased likelihood of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes. Self-care practices and medication adherence play crucial roles in preventing complications and adverse effects of this condition. Therefore, this study aimed to determine self-care behaviors, medication adherence status, and related factors among elderly patients with type 2 diabetes. This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 374 elderly patients with type 2 diabetes who visited educational healthcare centers in Qazvin, Iran, during 2023 (March–September). Sampling was performed using the convenience method. Data collection instruments included a demographic characteristics checklist, the summary of diabetes self-care activities questionnaire, and the Morisky medication adherence scale. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS-22 software, employing the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, mean, standard deviation, univariate and multivariate regression analyses. The significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05. The mean age of participants was 67.56 ± 5.93 years. In the self-care questionnaire, the highest score pertained to adherence to the diet recommended by the treating physician (3.16 ± 1.87). In contrast, the lowest scores were related to the frequency of checking inside shoes (0.17 ± 0.93) and foot examination (0.31 ± 1.07), respectively. Furthermore, results in self-care behaviors indicated that with increasing education levels, self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) significantly decreased (P = 0.048). This variable was considerably higher in rural residents than in urban dwellers (P = 0.016). Additionally, the frequency of blood glucose measurements was significantly higher in urban residents than in rural inhabitants (p = 0.006). Based on the results, the mean score for medication adherence among patients was 5.53 ± 1.65. Based on our findings, the level of self-care in physical activity, SMBG, and foot care among the elderly is below average. Furthermore, medication adherence in these patients is poor. We expect that managers and policymakers take steps to reduce complications and improve these two variables by developing educational programs on self-care and emphasizing the importance of treatment adherence for these patients.
Serological indication of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy as an extrahepatic manifestation of hepatitis E virus infection
Authors: Pischke S. , Kjasimov A. , Skripuletz T. , Casar C. , Bannasch J. , Mader M. , Huber S. , Konen F. , Wolski A. , Horvatits T. , Gingele S. , Peine S. , Hiller J. , Seeliger T. , Thayssen G. , Lütgehetmann M. , Schulze zur Wiesch J. , Golsari A. , Gelderblom M.
Published: August 2024

Guillain–Barré syndrome and neuralgic amyotrophy have been associated with hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 3 infections, while myasthenia gravis (MG) has been associated with HEV genotype 4 infections. However, whether chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is associated with HEV infections has not been conclusively clarified yet. 102 CIDP patients, 102 age- and sex-matched blood donors, 61 peripheral neuropathy patients (non-CIDP patients), and 26 MG patients were tested for HEV and anti-HEV IgM and IgG. Sixty-five of the 102 (64%) CIDP patients tested positive for anti-HEV IgG and one (1%) for anti-HEV IgM. No other patient tested positive for ati-HEV IgM. In the subgroup of CIDP patients with initial diagnosis (without previous IVIG treatment), 30/54 (56%) tested positive for anti-HEV IgG. Anti-HEV rates were significantly lower in blood donors (28%), non-CIDP peripheral neuropathy patients (20%), and MG patients (12%). No subject tested positive for HEV viremia. CSF tested negative for in 61 CIDP patients (54 patients with primary diagnosis). The development of CIDP but not non-CIDP polyneuropathy may be triggered by HEV exposure in an HEV genotype 3 endemic region. The increased anti-HEV seroprevalence in CIDP patients is not a consequence of IVIG therapy.
Enzymatic synthesis of N-formylated sialosides via a five-enzyme cascade
Authors: Hu Zi-Xuan , Li Shu-Rui , Xia Qing-Jun , Wang Ting , Voglmeir Josef , Widmalm Göran , Liu Li
Published: August 2024

Here we report an enzymatic approach to synthesize N-formylneuraminic acid (Neu5Fo) containing sialosides, through a five-enzyme cascade.
Highly efficient Ca2+ chelation activated by visible light
Authors: Egodawaththa Nishal M. , Rajhel Olivia , Ma Jingxuan , Guruge Charitha , Pabarue Alec B. , Harris Emily , Peverati Roberto , Nesnas Nasri
Published: August 2024

Three visible light-activated Ca2+ chelators with quantum yields of 0.39, 0.52, and 0.83 are reported. The chelators demonstrated an over 105-fold increase in Ca2+ binding affinity upon irradiation.
Copper-promotedortho-directed C–H amination of 2-arylpyridines with NH-heterocycles
Authors: Zeng Yang-Hao , Dong Lin
Published: August 2024

Copper-mediated C–N coupling of azaheterocycles with aryl C–H bonds has been realized for the synthesis of N-(hetero)arylated heteroarenes.
Synthesis of C-glycoside analogues of isopropyl β-d-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) and 1-β-d-galactopyranosyl-2-methylpropane. Conformational analysis and evaluation as inhibitors of the lac repressor in E. coli and as galactosidase inhibitors
Authors: Hever Eoin , Santhanam Venkatesan , Alberi Sherivan , Dhara Ashis , Bols Mikael , Nasheuer Heinz-Peter , Murphy Paul V.
Published: August 2024

IPTG is used widely to induce protein expression in E. coli. C-Glycoside mimetics of IPTG are synthesised and evaluated as inducers and as galactosidase inhibitors.
Power allocation between radar and jammer using conflict game theory
Authors: He Bin , Yang Ning
Published: August 2024

Conflict game theory is employed to analyze the countermeasure relationship between radar systems and jammers. To address this issue, a novel utility function and a Conflict Power Allocation Game (CPAG) algorithm are introduced for determining the Nash Equilibrium (NE) solution of the game. The utility function enables the calculation of optimal power response functions for both the radar system and the jammer, with the NE solution of the CPAG algorithm obtained through numerical computation. Simulation results demonstrate the convergence of the proposed CPAG algorithm to the NE solution, validating its efficacy. Finally, an analysis of the relationship between the utility function and pricing factors is conducted based on the proposed CPAG algorithm and simulation outcomes.
Load restoration of electricity distribution systems using a novel two‐stage method
Authors: Asadi Qasem , Falaghi Hamid , Ramezani Maryam
Published: August 2024

This paper proposes a new comprehensive load restoration (LR) method for electrical distribution networks. Since two main technologies of switching equipment are there in the modern distribution networks, namely manual switches (MSs) and remote‐controlled switches (RCSs), this article has benefited from this concept effectively. A two‐stage algorithm that provides the system operators with the ability to recover part of the loads in the shortest possible time by RCSs is proposed. After this step, the remaining loads will be restored by a combination of MSs and RCSs. The other strength of this algorithm is to provide accurate and practical solutions so that the sequence of switching actions is clearly defined. Also, using an innovative index called expected weighted energy not supplied as the objective function of the main problem will ensure the operators recover the maximum amount of load in the shortest time possible. This novel method was applied on a sample standard IEEE distribution test network. The simulation results proved the effectiveness of this proposed method.