bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the key parameters of ice particle air jet ejector structure
Authors: Man WANG , Zehua NIU , LIU Yong
Published: January 2024

The existing ice particle jet surface treatment technology is prone to ice particle adhesion during application, which seriously affects the surface treatment efficiency. Based on the basic structure of the jet pump, the ice particle air jet surface treatment technology is proposed for the instant preparation and utilization of ice particles, which solves the problem of ice particle adhesion and clogging. In order to realize the efficient utilization of ice particles and the high-speed jetting of ice air jet, the integrated jet structure of ice particle ejection and acceleration was developed. The influence of the working nozzle position (Ld), expansion ratio (n) and acceleration nozzle diameter ratio (Dn), length-to-diameter ratio (Ln) on the ice particle ejection and acceleration was systematically studied, and the structural parameters of the injector were determined with the impact kinetic energy of ice particles as the comprehensive evaluation index, and the surface treatment test was carried out to verify the results. The results of the study show that: under 2 MPa air pressure, the ejector nozzle parameters of n = 1.5, Dn=4.0, Ld=4, Ln=0 mm, can be sufficiently ejected to accelerate the ice particles. The structure parameters of the aluminum alloy plate depainting test, can obtain a larger radius of paint removal and make the aluminum alloy plate surface smoother, aluminum alloy surface roughness from 3.194 ± 0.489 m to 1.156 ± 0.136 m. The immediate preparation and utilization of ice particles, solved the problem of ice particles in the engineering application of air jet technology, ice particles bonding and storage problems. The instantaneous preparation and utilization of ice particles solves the problems of ice particle adhesion and storage in the engineering application of ice particle air jet technology, and can provide a feasible technical method in the field of material surface treatment.
Monitoring of Klebsiella pneumoniae infection and drug resistance in 17 pediatric intensive care units in China from 2016 to 2022
Authors: Fan Panpan , Fu Pan , Liu Jing , Zhang Xiaolei , Wang Yixue , Zhang Yingying , Zhu Ting , Zhang Caiyan , Wang Chuanqing , Lu Guoping , Yan Gangfeng , Group the China paediatric Intensive care Unit Pathogen Surveillan
Published: January 2024

Objective
To investigate the characteristics and drug resistance patterns of Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPN) infection among children admitted to pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).
Methods
KPN strains obtained from 17 domestic PICUs between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2022, were collected for analysis. The overall condition and drug resistance patterns were assessed utilizing the WHO-NET software.
Results
A total of 26613 strains were identified, and 2591 (9.7%) KPN strains were isolated. Among which, carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strains constituted 32.3%. The primary sites of KPN detection were the respiratory tract (71.1%), blood (8.6%), and urinary tract (7.1%). KPN’s resistance to penicillin drugs exceeded 90%. The resistance rate to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid declined from 70–48%, whereas it remained relatively stable at approximately 31–33% for piperacillin-tazobactam. KPN’s resistance rates to cephalosporins exceeded 50%. The resistance rate to cefoperazone-sulbactam decreased from 51.7% in 2018 to 12.2% in 2021 before increasing to 25.7% in 2022. The resistance rates to ceftolozane-tazobactam in the preceding 3 years ranged from 9.1–20.8%. The resistance rates to imipenem and meropenem have gradually decreased to 33.8% and 40.2% in 2022, respectively, whereas the resistance rate to ertapenem has increased from 14.8–35.2%. The resistance rate of KPN gradually declined from 41.6–25.7% for levofloxacin, while remained considerably high at 63.8% and 44.6% for moxifloxacin and ciprofloxacin, respectively. The resistance rate of KPN to amikacin declined from 29.1–9.1%. KPN exhibited the greatest vulnerability to polymyxin B, tigecycline, and polymyxin E, with resistance rates of 0.9%, 2.2% and 3.1%, correspondingly. Cross-resistance analysis revealed that no KPN strain was resistant to both polymyxin B and meropenem. However, varying degrees of meropenem co-resistance were observed with tigecycline (2%), imipenem (16%), amikacin (27%), colistin (37%) and levofloxacin (41%), respectively.
Conclusion
The clinical isolation rate of KPN was significantly elevated in PICU. Additionally, there was a substantial rise in drug resistance rates over a span of 7 years. Consequently, it is imperative to emphasize the prudent utilization of antibiotics in pediatric patients, implement efficient infection control measures, and employ suitable combinations of antibiotics to effectively tackle this urgent matter.
Continuous contact transfer behavior in bypass coupling triple-wire indirect arc welding
Authors: Liu Liming , Xu Guomin , Li Hao , Ba Xianli
Published: January 2024

Continuous contact transfer mode in bypass coupling triple-wire indirect arc welding (BCTW-GIA) is proposed to pursue an optional way to ensure the high deposition rate and obtain stable depositing process. The arc behaviors, droplet transfer and process stability with different distance between the tips (d1) of the main wire and side wires and the feeding speed of main wire (FSM) were studied. With the increase d1 and FSM, the droplet transfer mode of main wire varied from explosive transfer to short-circuit transfer to bridge transfer. When the d1 was greater than 4 mm, the continuous contact transfer bypass coupling triple-wire indirect arc welding can be realized and the welding process stability was improved. With the d1 adjusted from 0 mm to 6 mm, the standard deviation of the current dropped from 123.8 to 53.8 and its variation coefficient from 117.33–39.24% at FSM = 1 m/min. The weld penetration and weld width reduced with the FSM increasing, while the weld reinforcement gradually increased.
Aerobiological Study at the Uam-azcapotzalco, in Mexico City
Authors: Chávez-Sandoval Blanca Estela , Galindo-Pérez Ezel Jacome , Naranjo-Castañeda Félix Antonio , Klériga-Blanco Jorge David Iván , García-Franco Francisco
Published: January 2024

Aerobiological analyses allow us to evaluate air quality, if we live in a city like Mexico City, it is common to link it with industrial, commercial and vehicle use activities, among others, this fact is of such importance, since poor air quality can cause a wide variety of respiratory diseases depending on the time of exposure. The present work focused on carrying out an aerobiological study in six sites sampled at the UAM-Azcapotzalco. A total of 547 bacterial colonies and 297 fungal colonies were found. The maximum averages obtained for bacteria were in the dining room (22 UFC/m3) and the football field (48.75 CFU/m3), while for fungi the highest concentrations were recorded in the dining room (11.25 CFU/m3) and library (20.22 CFU/m3) areas. The Analysis of Variance showed that there are no significant differences for fungi and bacteria in the open and closed sites (p = 0.023), however the geospatial analysis helped to determine the areas with the highest density of microorganisms. The constant monitoring of bioaerosols, and the concentrations present in places with a high attendance of people, contributes to the generation of strategies to minimize the risks to human health, avoiding the generation of highly contagious diseases, such as the pandemic derived from SARS-CoV-2, among others. Finally, to minimize the microenvironmental conditions that allow the growth of microorganisms, we suggest the implementation of vegetal covers and natural surfaces inside and outside the work centers, as well as improvements in bio architecture, which would allow safe study and work.
Experimental and Numerical Study on the Model of Hybrid Fiber Phase Change Concrete Frozen Shaft Wall
Authors: Dongwei Li , Zhiwen Jia , Zecheng Wang , Kaixi Xue , Zhenhua Wang , Changtai Luo , Fang Fang
Published: January 2024

This article adds phase change materials to hybrid fiber concrete innovatively, utilizing the characteristics of phase change materials that can absorb (release) heat during the phase change process, actively responding to complex temperature environments and their changes, reducing the temperature difference inside the concrete, and thus preventing the occurrence of temperature cracks in deep wellbore structures. Through the temperature control model test of the frozen shaft wall, it can be seen that the hybrid fiber phase change concrete (HFPCC) significantly reduces the internal temperature difference, and the maximum temperature difference along the radial direction is 35.84% lower than that of benchmark concrete (BC). The numerical simulation results indicate that a moderate phase transition temperature should be selected in engineering. The phase change temperature should not be close to the ambient temperature and peak temperature. The peak temperature can be reduced by 9.32% and the maximum radial temperature difference can be reduced by 30.89% by selecting an appropriate phase change temperature. The peak temperature and radial maximum temperature difference are both proportional to the latent heat of phase change. The temperature control performance of phase change concrete can be further improved by increasing the latent heat of phase change materials.
A FOCUS-PDCA quality improvement model to reduce perioperative analgesic pump residuals
Authors: Xiang Yun , Wu Jimin , Xu Qiaomin , Duan Gongchen , Lan Haiyan , Ai Mengting , Sun Min , Li Xiaofen
Published: January 2024

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of applying the FOCUS-PDCA quality improvement model in reducing the perioperative analgesic pump surplus. We applied the FOCUS-PDCA quality improvement model to analyse the causes of perioperative analgesic pump residuals, then developed an improvement strategy and compared residuals before and after implementation. After the implementation of the FOCUS-PDCA quality improvement model, the abandonment rate of analgesic pumps decreased from 31.35% to 9.72%, and the total amount of residual volume decreased from 12,350 ml to 4,356.9 ml. Therefore, Thus, the FOCUS-PDCA quality improvement model succeeded in significantly reducing the perioperative analgesic pumps residuals and guaranteeing the quality of medical safety of perioperative analgesic pumps.
Hot topics of concern for married men: the correlation between male sexual function and vasectomy
Authors: Yu Xujun , Chen Diang , Wang Meijing , Lan Xiucheng , Fang Chunyan , Li Junjun , Dong Liang , Chang Degui , Yang Fang
Published: January 2024

A considerable number of male patients express apprehension regarding the potential correlation between vasectomy and sexual functionality, and worrying about affecting the couple's quality of sexual life and causing anxiety and depression. We investigated 306 male patients who sought vasectomy surgery between March 2016 and February 2022 at the Reproductive Women and Children's Hospital affiliated with Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. We assessed patients' postoperative erectile status, ejaculation status, and depression and anxiety mainly by means of rating scales, including International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5), the Chinese Index of Premature Ejaculation (CIPE), Zungs Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS). Descriptive statistics (t-test, analysis of variance, rank sum test) detail the effect of vasectomy on IIEF-5, CIPE, SDS, SAS in men of different age groups.The results of age analysis showed that IIEF-5 and CIPE scores improved before and after ligation in different age groups (P < 0.05), with IIEF-5 scores improving the most in the age range of 30–39 years (205, 66.34%) (P = 0.00);Vasectomy does not affect male sexual satisfaction or erections, increases male patients' sexual confidence and desire, and does not cause or increase anxiety or depressive symptoms in men.
Banking for Old Age: Quality of Life and Health Care Time Banking Decisions in China
Authors: Hao Jiaozhi , Zhang Anqi , Leng Anli , Maitland Elizabeth , Nicholas Stephen , Wang Jian
Published: January 2024

Background
In China, time banking is an innovative form of mutual healthcare for older adults and a new approach to respond to an aging population. Quality of life is a comprehensive indicator of a person’s health status, but empirical evidence on how the quality of life impacts older people’s willingness to participate in time banking is lacking. This paper examines the impact of physical and mental quality of life on Chinese older adults’ willingness to participate in health care time banking.
Methods
Employing nationally representative data collected from 2147 respondents across 12 Chinese provinces, a linear probability model analyzed the relationship between quality of life and willingness for older people to participate in time banking, and robustness tests were conducted using logit and probit models.
Results
Fifty-eight (58%) percent of older adults were willing to participate in a volunteer time banking program. There was a significant positive correlation between physical quality of life and willingness of older adults to participate in time banking. Mental quality of life had a significant negative correlation with older adults’ time banking engagement decisions. Females, urban residents and the youngest older adults were more likely to participate in time banking.
Conclusions
Government should expand time banking; carry out time banking health promotion activities with different messages for females versus males, urban versus rural residents and physical QoL versus mental QoL residents; segment the target audiences by age; and through care time banking campaigns promote public social responsibility and support for China’s aging population.
Genetic architecture of root growth angle, seminal root numbers and early vigor in the synthetic hexaploid wheat diversity panel
Authors: Khalid Maria , Ahmad Zubair , Ahmed Suhaib , Maqbool Saman , Gul Alvina , Aamir Rabia , Khan Adeel Hassan , Mahmood Zahid , Hickey Lee , Rasheed Awais
Published: January 2024

Drought is a serious threat to crop production threatening food security worldwide. Seminal root growth angle (RA) and root number (RN) are important components of root system architecture (RSA) for the adaptability of plants under water stress. Likewise, leaf area (LA) in early vigor contributes against unpredictable drought stress. We characterized a collection of synthetic hexaploid wheat for root angle, seminal root numbers, and early vigor and identified loci associated with these traits using a 50K SNP array and genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) platforms. LA showed a negative correlation with RN and a poor correlation with RA. In total, 39 marker-trait nucleotides (QTNs) were associated with LA, RA, and RN distributed over 10 wheat chromosomes. Out of these, 11 QTNs were associated with LA, 15 QTNs were associated with RA, and 13 QTNs were associated with RN. The higher frequency of favorable alleles in some synthetic hexaploid wheat accessions increased the phenotypic values and such synthetic wheats could be prioritized in wheat breeding to improve RSA and early vigor. These initial findings could be helpful for pre-breeding to improve wheat adaptability under drought stress conditions.
Enhanced recombination empowers the detection and mapping of Quantitative Trait Loci
Authors: Mercier Raphael , Capilla-Pérez Laia , Solier Victor , Gibault Elodie , Lian Qichao , Goel Manish , Hüttel Bruno , Keurentjes Joost , Loudet Olivier
Published: January 2024

Modern plant breeding, such as genomic selection and gene editing, is based on the knowledge of the genetic architecture of desired traits. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis, which combines high throughput phenotyping and genotyping of segregating populations, is a powerful tool to identify these genetic determinants. However, meiotic recombination, which is the source of the genetic variation, is limited with typically only one to two crossovers per chromosome. Here we tested the effect on QTL analysis of boosting recombination, by mutating the anti-crossover factors RECQ4 and FIGL1 in Arabidopsis thaliana hybrids and substitution lines. We showed that increasing recombination ~6-fold empowers the detection and resolution of QTLs, reaching the gene scale with only a few hundred plants. Further, enhanced recombination unmasks some secondary QTLs undetected under normal recombination. These results show the benefits of enhanced recombination to decipher the genetic bases of traits.
Fertilization, irrigation and pasture sown to improve herbage production and quality in Nothofagus antarctica silvopastoral systems in southern Patagonia
Authors: Gargaglione Veronica , Peri Pablo Luis , Mayo Juan Pablo , Christiansen Rodolfo
Published: January 2024

Nothofaus antarctica forest extends from 46 to 56º SL been used as silvopastoral systems (SSP). Several studies have characterized understory of N. antarctica SSP. However, other practices like pasture sawn, irrigation and fertilization, to improve understory yield, remains undocumented. The aim of this work was to compare dry matter (DM) production and quality of natural understory vs. implanted pastures under different water and nutrient conditions. An experiment with fifteen plots of 6x 6 m where randomly established in a split-split plot design with specie as the main factor, water as the sub-plot factor and fertilizer application level as sub-sub-plot factor. The species evaluated were: Dactylis glomerata, Bromus catharticus, Trifolium pratense, T. repens and natural understory. Total dry matter (DM) production, leaf N concentration and digestibility were measured after one and two years of experiment establishment. Significant differences were found in DM according to specie, water and fertilization treatment. The highest DM production was for D. glomerata with irrigation and 100 kg N ha− 1 (6347 kg DM ha− 1), followed by natural understory with irrigation and 200 kg N ha− 1 and T. pratense with irrigation after the first year. In contrast, after two years, significant differences were found only for specie and fertilizer treatments where the highest yield corresponded to T. pratense pasture. For quality T. repens had the highest digestibility values. This study showed that pure pastures of D. glomerata accompanied by N fertilization or T. pratense, are viable options to increase forage yield and quality in N. antarctica SSP.
Effect of Electroacupuncture Intervention on Postoperative Pain in Patients Receiving Shoulder Arthroscopic Surgery: Study Protocol for A Non-inferiority Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Duan Panpan , Hu Jiamin , Yang Tao , Li Yan , Wang Xin , Chen Jiahui , Xu Weidong , Tong Wenwen , Xu Yihong , You Yanli , Ni Liya
Published: January 2024

Purpose: Shoulder arthroscopy , as a minimally invasive surgical technique for patients who have shoulder injuries, has the advantages of short inpatient period and fast postoperative recovery. However, Patients experienced surgery have a common symptoms : postoperative pain . Which can delay rehabilitation and influence the result of treatment . Although there are many managements for pain after shoulder arthroscopy surgery, the adherence rate of interventions remains low, and adverse effects often occur. Electroacupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine treatment which is used to alleviate pain after surgery by inhibiting the functional connection between cerebellum and cortex thalamus in a large number of clinical studies. Therefore, this study aims to explore the effect of electroacupuncture on postoperative pain in patients receiving shoulder arthroscopic.
Methods and Analysis: This is a single-center, non-inferiority, randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial. This trial aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture for analgesia in patients receiving arthroscopic shoulder surgery. 120 patients receiving rotator cuff repair under shoulder arthroscopy will be recruited. They will be randomly divided into an acupuncture analgesia group (patients receive electroacupuncture analgesia and intravenous patient controlled analgesia with 0.9% saline after surgery) and an intravenous analgesia group (patients receive sham electroacupuncture and intravenous patient controlled analgesia with analgesic drugs). The main outcome is postoperative pain score. The secondary outcomes are the patients’ postoperative analgesic requirements, levels of inflammatory factors before and after acupuncture, patient satisfaction, postoperative complications, incidence of delirium, sleep quality, and shoulder joint function rehabilitation.
Discussion: This study will be the first time to explore the effect and safety of electroacupuncture on postoperative shoulder pain as a clinical trial. Our finding will provide a new insight to alleviate pain after shoulder surgery.
Trial registration: This research was registered at the China Clinical Trials Registry. The registration number is ChiCTR2300068773.
Robotic Resection of Presacral Tumors
Authors: Ferrari Davide , Violante Tommaso , Addison Poppy , Perry William R.G. , Merchea Amit , Kelley Scott R. , Mathis Kellie L. , Dozois Eric J. , Larson David W.
Published: January 2024

Background:Presacral tumors are a rare entity typically treated with an open surgical approach. A limited number of minimally invasive resections have been described. Aim of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of robotic resection of presacral tumors.
Methods: This was a retrospective single system analysis, conducted at a quaternary referral academic healthcare system, and included all patients who underwent a robotic excision of a presacral tumor between 2015 and 2023. Outcomes of interest were operative time, estimated blood loss, complications, length of stay, margin status, and recurrence rates.
Results: Sixteen patients (11 females, 5 males) were included. Median age of the cohort was 51 years (range 25-69). Median operative time was 197 minutes (range 98-802). Median estimated blood loss was 40 ml, ranging from 0 to 1800 ml, with one patient experiencing conversion to open surgery after uncontrolled hemorrhage. Urinary retention was the only post-operative complication that occurred in 3 patients (19%) and was solved within 30 days in all cases. Median length of stay was one day (range 1-6). Median follow-up was 6.7 months (range 1-110). All tumors were excised with appropriate margins, but one benign and one malignant tumor recurred (12.5%). Ten tumors were classified as congenital (one was malignant), two were mesenchymal (both malignant), and five were miscellaneous (one malignant).
Conclusions:Robotic resection of select presacral pathology is feasible and safe. Further studies must be conducted to determine complication rates, outcomes, and long-term safety profiles.
The Prognostic Significance of Tertiary Lymphoid Structure Assessment with Hematoxylin and Eosin Sections in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Liang YinFeng , Wang Zhizhong , Sun Rui , Wang Dongqing , Zhao Jiuzhou , Wang Bo , Miao JinXin , Guo Yongjun
Published: January 2024

Purpose To explore the potential prognostic prediction values of tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) assessed using hematoxylin-eosin staining sections in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma（ESCC）
Methods We conducted a comprehensive study involving 87 patients diagnosed with ESCC. Relevant clinicopathological data were collected. HE staining was performed to investigate the presence, density, diameter, and distribution of TLS within the cancerous regions. Subsequently, survival analysis using Kaplan–Meier and multivariable Cox regression analysis was executed to assess the prognostic significance of TLS profiles in ESCC patients. To corroborate our findings, we validated the results in an additional dataset comprising 84 ESCC patients obtained from the TCGA repository.
Results We detected tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) in 58 out of the 87 collected ESCC patients, mirroring the TCGA dataset where 44 out of 84 patients displayed TLS. The presence of TLS, coupled with their average density, diameter and distribution, demonstrated a correlation with prolonged survival in ESCC patients. However, upon adjusting for pathologic features, only the presence status of TLS emerged as an independent prognostic factor for long-term survival in ESCC, yielding a hazard ratio of 0.432 (P = 0.004). This observation was substantiated in the TCGA dataset with a hazard ratio of 0.359 (P = 0.028). This finding was validated in the TCGA data set with of hazard ratio of 0.359 (P = 0.028)
Conclusion The routine evaluation of TLS presence in ESCC with HE staining appears to be feasible and could serve as an efficient biomarker for prognostic prediction.
Omentin-1: A Potential Biomarker and therapeutic agent for Diabetic Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Chaudhari Mohammed Juned Ahmed , Vasanthan M. Vasanthan M. , Vinodhini V.M.Vinodhini V.M. , B Prathap Ranen Roy B Prathap Ranen Roy , R Shri Namrutha R Shri Namrutha , Choudhary Sahil Ahmed Choudhary Sahil Ahmed , Ray Soumili Ray Soumili , M Poornathitya M Poornathitya
Published: January 2024

Background
Recent studies revealed that patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have an increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD), also known as diabetes-related chronic disease, which increases morbidity and mortality. Diabetes-associated CKD is a complex degenerative disorder linked to oxidative stress and inflammation induced by elevated blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). Hyperglycemia promotes the production of free radicals, leading to oxidative stress, a significant contributor to the pathogenesis and advancement of diabetes-associated CKD. Therefore, a strategic approach involves the identification and development of innovative therapeutic alternatives that precisely target the signaling pathways of oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines to prevent the rapid prevalence of diabetes-associated CKD. One such adipokine that fulfills the above requirements is omentin-1. Omentin-1,313 amino acids Adipokine is known to have an anti-inflammatory effect. It is expressed primarily in visceral fat tissue and is found to enhance insulin signaling.
Methods
This case-control study was conducted at SRM Medial College Hospital and Research Centre, India. Study population was 60 diabetic kidney disease and 60 normal healthy subject. After the selection of the study population, the following data were collected: anthropometric measurement, serum creatinine, urea, BUN, eGFR, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-c, VLDL-c, and HDL-c. Appropriate statistical tests were applied.
Result
The mean value of omentin-1 in cases was 1.0675 ± 0.416 ng/ml, which was significantly lower than controls 1.4225 ± 0.737 ng/ml (P = 0.0015*). This result justifies that omentin has a significant relationship with renal damage. The mean value of hs-CRP in cases was 12.716 ± 5.04 mg/L, which was significantly higher than controls 8.289 ± 5.36 mg/L (P = 0.000029*). This result justifies that hs-CRP has a significant relationship with renal damage. Omentin-1 was found to have a significant positive correlation with eGFR (r = 0.279**, P = 0.002); however, no significant correlation was found between omentin-1 and hs-CRP (r = -0.043, P = 0.639). This result suggests that omentin-1 is notably associated with renal damage and could serve as an independent anti-inflammatory marker for diabetes-related chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Conclusion
Significantly decreased omentin-1 levels in diabetes-associated CKD subjects as compared to control subjects were demonstrated in this study. Thus, omentin-1 may be considered as independent anti-inflammatory predictive marker for the diagnosis and monitoring of diabetes-associated CKD.
A two-stage stochastic programming for the integrated emergency mobility facility allocation and road network design under uncertainty
Authors: Huatian Gong , Xiaoguang Yang
Published: January 2024

Emergency Mobility Facilities (EMFs) possess the capability to dynamically relocate, providing effective responses to fluctuations in emergent demand patterns across temporal and spatial dimensions. This study proposes a two-stage stochastic programming model that integrates the EMF allocation problem and the road network design problem for disaster preparedness. The model takes into account uncertainties arising from emergency demand and road network congestion levels under various sizes and timings of disaster occurrences. The first-stage decision involves determining the fleet size of EMFs and identifying which road links' travel time to reduce. The second-stage decision pertains to the routing and schedule of each EMF for each disaster scenario. Due to the intricate nature of this problem, the resulting model takes the form of a non-convex mixed-integer nonlinear program (MINLP). This poses computational challenges due to the inclusion of bilinear terms, implicit expressions, and the double-layered structure in the second-stage submodel, along with integer decision variables. To efficiently solve the model, a comprehensive set of techniques is applied. This includes employing linearization techniques, converting the second-stage submodel into a single-stage equivalent, transforming an integer variable into multiple binary variables, and utilizing other methods to equivalently reformulate the model into a mixed-integer linear programming problem (MILP). These transformations render the model amenable to solution by the integer L-shaped method. A simplified example clarifies the solution procedures of the model and algorithm, establishing the theoretical foundation for their practical implementation. Subsequently, to empirically demonstrate the practicality of the proposed model and algorithm, a real-world case study is conducted, effectively validating their utility.
Land Use Land Cover Changes and Its Impact on Land Surface Temperature in Rajpur-sonarpur Municipal Area
Authors: Mondal Pompa , Mistri Tapas
Published: January 2024

Rapid urban growth within short period of time creates havoc changes in land use/land cover (LULC) all over the world specially in developing countries. Numerous Indian cities are facing such type of problems mainly due to the unplanned and haphazard urban growth. The present study emphasizes on the LULC changes using satellite imageries from 1991 to 2021 at ten years interval and its impacts on LST (Land Surface Temperature) in Rajpur-Sonarpur Municipal area located in the district of South 24 Parganas, West Bengal. Results shows that positive changes have occurred only in case of built-up area and fallow land while negative changes have found in vegetation coverage, water bodies and agricultural land which were a dominant land cover classes in 1991 accounting 44.04% of the total geographical area. On the time being there is an increasing tendency of construction sites and built-up areas at the cost of vegetation coverage as well as the water bodies and agricultural lands which in turn increase the land surface temperature as a continuous process. So, to arrest the rising temperature and minimize the ill effects of such changes immediate thinking of new urbanism should be adopted and implemented.
Salidroside inhibits platelet-derived growth factor BB-induced human aortic smooth muscle cell phenotype switching via PDGFR-β/AKT/mTOR/HIF-1α pathway 1
Authors: Zhang Yongjie , Yan Zhigang , Lin Fei , Liu Huibing , Zhao Guoan
Published: January 2024

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotype transformation is the pathological basis of vascular remodeling diseases such as in-stent restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention. Salidroside has anti-hypoxic and anti-endothelial cell apoptotic effects and inhibits tumor cell proliferation; however, none of the published studies have reported its effect on VSMC phenotype switching to date. In this study, we investigated the effect of salidroside on platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB)-induced human aortic smooth muscle cell (HASMC) phenotype switching and explored its pharmacological mechanisms.HASMCs were stimulated with PDGF-BB to establish a cell phenotype switching model and then treated with salidroside. Cell viability was detected using the CCK-8 assay, cell migration was detected by performing the Transwell assay, and F-actin was stained with fluorescently labeled phalloidin. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen, migration-related proteins MMP-9 and fibronectin, phenotype switching markers α-SMA and osteopontin, phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated AKT, mTOR proteins, PTEN, PDGFR-β, and HIF-1α protein were detected through western blotting. Compared with the PDGF-BB indution group, the salidroside treatment group exhibited decreased HASMC proliferation and migration; the expression of the contractile phenotype marker α-SMA increased, and the expression of the secretory phenotype marker osteopontin decreased. Furthermore, phosphorylated AKT, mTOR, PDGFR-β, and HIF-1α protein expression decreased. Salidroside may inhibit phenotype switching of HASMC induced by PDGF-BB through the PDGFR-β/AKT/mTOR/HIF-1α pathway; hence, it may be useful in treating vascular remodeling diseases such as in-stent restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention.
The Intersection of Income, Neighborhood Conditions, and the Risk of Diabetes among Members of Underrepresented Racial Groups
Authors: Folorunsho Sunkanmi , Ajayi Victor , Okyere Michael
Published: January 2024

The research explores why diabetes is more common among certain groups, looking closely at the connections between income, race, neighborhood conditions, and the risk of diabetes in underrepresented racial/ethnic communities. Diabetes, a condition where blood sugar levels stay high, especially type 2 diabetes, has become a major issue affecting millions worldwide. Importantly, some racial groups, like non-Hispanic Blacks and Hispanic/Latino adults, face higher diabetes rates. This is due to a mix of factors, including lifestyle choices, money situations, genetics, and the places people live. Previous studies suggest that limited resources in neighborhoods, bad housing conditions, and unequal community amenities contribute to high diabetes rates. The study aims to answer key questions about how income, race, and neighborhood conditions relate to diabetes risk. The review of existing studies emphasizes the intricate links between race, environment, and money situations that impact diabetes rates. The proposed model suggests that lower income and specific racial groups, like Black and Hispanic communities, are more likely to have diabetes. It also points to a connection between race, income, and neighborhood conditions influencing diabetes risk. The study uses data from the 2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, using statistical models to explore relationships between race, income, home ownership, and diabetes. Results show clear connections, confirming that lower income levels and certain racial groups are more prone to diabetes. Additionally, home ownership, representing neighborhood conditions, reveals specific patterns, with renters showing a higher association with diabetes. These findings offer important insights into the complex dynamics of diabetes risk, stressing the need for targeted interventions that consider income, race, and neighborhood contexts.
An effective model for ontology relations efficacy on stock prices: Case of Persian stock market
Authors: Samani Mohammad Hossein , Albadvi Amir
Published: January 2024

The unpredictability of the stock market makes it a serious area of study and analysis. With the help of the accumulated information available in the current digital age and the power of high-performance computing machines, there is a great focus on using these capabilities to design algorithms that can learn stock market trends and successfully predict stock prices. The main goal is to create an intelligent system that provides these features for predicting short-term stock price trends to facilitate the investment decision process. In order to increase the accuracy and productivity of these systems and facilitate the routine of using common-sense knowledge in machine learning systems, developing or enriching knowledge bases and ontology for market modeling will be one of the effective measures in this field. In this research, an attempt has been made to strengthen and enrich the basic ontology created by the authors by using other global ontologies related to the subject of the stock market, and parts of the target space that were not addressed have been added to the ontology. By combining reference ontologies, a level of standardization is also created for the ontology and stability in the representation of concepts and relationships is ensured. In the next step, it has been tried to test the impact of the concepts and relations of the ontology in predicting stock price movements. For this purpose, news in the field of economy is considered as input and a model is created that first filters the textual inputs related to the desired stock symbol and then observes their effect on the price changes of the related stock. The study conducted in this report, after improving the performance and comprehensiveness of the ontology, a model was presented to measure and prove the effect of the relationships in this ontology on price changes. And in practice, according to human limitations and the tools used, this effect was observed and confirmed with the proper certainty by checking the economic news.
Biowaste valorization of palm tree Phoenix dactylifera L. for nanocellulose production
Authors: Dhahi Randa Mohammed , Mohammed Mohammed Majeed , Mikhlif Haitham Mawlood
Published: January 2024

The desire to reduce reliance on oil resources arises from the concerns about carbon footprint and nonrenewability. Conversely, the global presence of over 100 million palm trees poses a significant challenge due to the substantial amount of biowaste generated annually. Additionally, the use of nanocellulose as a cost-effective material is steadily gaining recognition for its growing adaptability over time. This research focused on the utilization of Iraqi date palm Phoenix dactylifera leaves waste, with low concentration acid-alkali treatment was used to produce nanocellulose. This part yields were 20 gm of nanocellulose from 100 gram of leaves before acid hydrolysis treatment, The chemical components of biosynthesized nanocellulose were 47.90 ,26.78 and 24.67 for α- cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin respectively. Extraction of nanocellulose from raw date palm leaves was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive x ray spectroscopy (EDX) and atomic force microscope (AFM). SEM results revealed rod like structured nanocellulose as well combined long-fine fibrous structures rather than compacted bundle with sizes ranging between 31 and 74 nm. With EDX, all spectra exhibit the peaks of carbon and oxygen as the main elements with 63.8% and 10.44% respectively in their compositions, which relate with the typical composition of cellulose. the 3D image of nanocellulose with a tapping mode highly uniform distribution of particles with many peaks. The statistical roughness analysis shows that the obtained roughness average is 7.20 nm with the root-mean-square (RMS) roughness value of 21.56 nm which corresponded relatively with the micrographs of SEM. The results of this study demonstrate the promise of using date palm waste as raw material to produce nanocellulose as green nanocomposite from biodegradable nanomaterial for water purification and sustained drug delivery for biomedical applications.
Extended Endoscopic Endonasal Transplanum and Transdorsum Sellar Approach for the Resection of Retroinfundibular Craniopharyngioma with Two-Piece Dural Opening: A Technical Case Report
Authors: Matmusaev Maruf , Kariev Gayrat , Asadullaev Ulugbek , Takeuchi Kazuhito , Nagata Yuichi , Harada Hideo , Saito Ryuta
Published: January 2024

Background
The surgical treatment of retroinfundibular craniopharyngiomas is challenging due to their location and the surrounding neurovascular structures. In this report, the transdorsum sellae approach with posterior clinoidectomy, the efficacy of direct cyst puncture and the suitability of a two-piece dural opening are presented.
Case Description:
A 56-year-old male with visual and cognitive disturbances was referred to our hospital. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a mostly cystic lesion with calcifications in the suprasellar and retroinfundibular areas. The imaging findings were suspected craniopharyngioma, and an extended endoscopic endonasal transdorsum sellar approach with posterior clinoidectomy was performed for direct access to the lesion. Two pieces of the dura were opened to prevent postoperative CSF leakage. The patient’s postoperative course was uneventful.
Conclusions
The endoscopic transdorsum sella approach gives direct access to the posterior cranial fossa. Direct puncture of the cyst without CSF drainage is helpful for large cystic lesions. A two-piece dural opening is easy to suture and can reduce the chance of postoperative CSF leakage.
Positive Pressure and Negative Pressure Irrigation Dynamics with Different Needle Designs Using Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors:   Centre of Comprehensive Care Studies, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 47000 Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia, Wan Nur Farhana , Ramlan Nurul Ain ,   Centre of Comprehensive Care Studies, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 47000 Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia, Nik Mahmood Nik Zarina ,   Centre of Comprehensive Care Studies, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 47000 Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia, Abdul Hamid Ahmad Hussein ,   School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to investigate the irrigation dynamics of the positive pressure side-vented (SV) needle, EndoVac (micropores) needle and modified apical negative pressure (mANP) open-ended needle using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). A simulation of a prepared root canal (conical frustum) of 15 mm length with an apical diameter of 0.40 mm following Protaper F4 apical preparation was created using three-dimensional (3D) CAD software. The 3D simulated needle of SV 30G needle, EndoVac with micropores needle and mANP, 30G flat open-ended needle were also created. The irrigation dynamics were evaluated through transient CFD simulations. In addition, the irrigation dynamics of mANP at 0.2 mm, 0.5 mm, and 1.0 mm short from the working length were also assessed. The EndoVac and mANP showed negative apical static pressure and streamline patterns able to reach the apical region, thus indicating negligible extrusion. Meanwhile, SV showed positive apical static pressure and almost nonexistent streamlines beyond the needle tip. The SV showed the highest wall shear stress (WSS) magnitude of 1030Pa whereas Endovac (161 Pa) and mANP1 (258 Pa). However, SV revealed lower average WSS (10 Pa) compared to mANP1 (13 Pa) and mANP2 (11 Pa). This is due to SV developed a localised maximum WSS opposite the open vent area only therefore, uneven distribution of WSS. The EndoVac system developed a localised maximum WSS in the pair of micropores furthest away from the apical. CFD analysis of the EndoVac, mANP and SV showed different technique approach, needle design and needle depths insertion affect the irrigation dynamics pattern and magnitude.
Group Work for Enhancing Students’ Understanding in Simple Past Materials and Developing Social Skills
Authors: Indriyani Theresia Vina
Published: January 2024

This study tried to discover whether group work is effective to help the students get better understanding in the materials as well as being more active and sociable in class. This study was conducted for the sixth grade of SD Tarakanita Bumijo Yogyakarta on July-August 2022. This study would implement group work by conducting heterogenous groups. The data gathered came from combined observation data and quantitative questionnaire. Quantitative data is used to analyse numerical data. The data then converted by using 5 Likert scale to acknowledge the Group Work activity. Based on the result of the questionnaire number 1-3 with average score 4,26, It was concluded that this group work activity was successful in helping the students have better understanding of the material. Based on the result of the questionnaire number 4-5 with average score 4,33 and the observation during the activities group work helped the students got better understanding in the materials. The students helped and encourage each other during the study time and test time. Based on the result of the questionnaire number 6-8, students’ reflection on the questionnaire, and the observation notes, It was concluded that this group work activity was able to create good bond for the students and their friends. They helped each other, most of them didn’t argue or fight during the group work. They also felt closer after the group work. One important note before conducting the group work is setting the rules as clear as possible. Based on the result of the questionnaire, reflection, and observation data, group work make the students have better understanding of the material. The group work was also able to create good bond for the students and their friends. As they helped each other during the activity, most of them didn’t argue or fight. They got closer after the group work.
Developing Interactive Multimedia-based E-Learning to Teach Reading
Authors: Wiyanah Sri , Rahman Sofia Farida
Published: January 2024

Teaching phenomenon during Covid-19 Pandemic demanded teacher used platforms for online learning. Teaching via online learning caused students' learning motivation decreases. Students were passive during learning. Based on school regulations, teachers can only use two platforms for online learning, namely, Google Class Room and WhatsApp. Teachers were not allowed to upload files that were too large so that it would burden the students, and the types of files that can be sent on the two platforms were also very limited. The aims of the study are to identify students’ need for learning and develop appropriate interactive multimedia-based e-learning to teach reading. This was Research and Development study which employed ADDIE Design. The study was conducted for the tenth-grade students of SMAN 3 Bantul. The result showed the target needs most of the students choose to master English and can read English text with good pronunciation are their goals. The learning needs as determined by the needs analysis are divided into input, planning, methods, the role of the teacher, and environment. In addition, Interactive learning multimedia developed using ADDIE in the form of Microsoft PowerPoint. The menus consisted of Home Page, Main Menu, and Extras Menu. The mean score for the content aspect was 3.86 and the media aspect was 3.625 which both were categorized as “very good”. The mean of the implementation and interview to the students’ response is 87.75/100 points. In conclusion, interactive multimedia is appropriate and feasible in teaching and learning reading.
Modified rational six vertex model on the rectangular lattice
Authors: Belliard Samuel , Pimenta Rodrigo Alves , Slavnov Nikita A.
Published: January 2024

We consider a rational six vertex model on a rectangular lattice with boundary conditions that generalize the usual domain wall type. We find that the partition function of the inhomogeneous version of this model is given by a modified Izergin determinant. The proofs are based on the quantum inverse scattering method and its representation theory together with elementary linear algebra.