bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Apatite records metamorphic and hydrothermal fluid evolution at the large Shuangqishan orogenic gold deposit, SE China
Authors: Ma Ying , Jiang Shao-Yong , Frimmel Hartwig E.
Published: March 2023

Orogenic gold deposits are currently the world’s major source of Au, but uncertainty exists in the timing of mineralization relative to the ages of host rocks, metamorphism, and magmatism. Consequently, the origin and detailed evolution of ore-forming fluids have long been elusive. Apatite occurs widespread in various types of mineral deposits and can provide valuable information on ore genesis. Here, we present textural, high-precision in situ U-Pb geochronological, trace elements, and Sr isotope data for metamorphic and hydrothermal apatite in the Shuangqishan gold deposit in southeastern China. These data, together with U-Pb dates of metavolcanic host rocks, granitic and mafic intrusive rocks, allow us to precisely constrain the timing of mineralization and reconstruct the history of the ore-forming fluids there. The apatite crystals within metamorphic and auriferous quartz veins can be grouped into three generations according to cathodoluminescence imaging and trace element concentrations: Ap1 precipitated in the pre-mineralization metamorphic stage, whereas Ap2 and Ap3 formed in the auriferous hydrothermal stage. Metamorphic Ap1 displays a negative Eu anomaly, indicating a predominance of Eu2+ and crystallization under relatively reduced conditions. On the other hand, syn-gold hydrothermal Ap2 and Ap3 have marked positive Eu anomalies. Radiometric ages for metamorphic Ap1 are at ca. 461 Ma, whereas hydrothermal Ap2 and xenotime from auriferous quartz gave U-Pb ages of 425 ± 15 Ma and 416 ± 15 Ma, interpreted as the time of gold mineralization. Emplacement ages determined by U-Pb zircon data are 439 ± 2 Ma for granitic intrusion and 427 ± 2 Ma for a mafic dike in the mining district. Mineralization, therefore, postdates the metamorphism of local host rocks and granitic magmatism by ∼35 ± 24 m.y. and ∼14 ± 17 m.y., respectively. The synchronism of gold genesis and mafic magmatism provides additional evidence for a mantle derivation of the ore-forming fluids. The highly radiogenic 87Sr/86Sr ratios obtained for Ap1 (0.7178−0.7302) are consistent with its precipitation from a metamorphic fluid. Higher Sr concentrations (Ap2 = 1228−2884 ppm, Ap3 = 2325−3169 ppm) and positive Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu*: Ap2 = 1.03−2.84, Ap3 = 2.00−4.30) but lower and variable 87Sr/86Sr ratios in hydrothermal Ap2 (0.7100−0.7165) and Ap3 (0.7086−0.7116) are mainly ascribed to extensive fluid-wall rock exchange of Sr during mineralization. It is therefore suggested that fluid-rock reaction played a vital role in the observed positive Eu anomalies of hydrothermal apatite. Our study highlights the usefulness of apatite as a novel and robust geochronological, geochemical, and isotopic indicator of complex mineralization processes in hydrothermal gold deposits.
Supplemental Material: Coupled alkaline high-Nb mafic rocks and adakitic granodiorites: Products of Neoproterozoic back-arc extension at the western margin of the Yangtze Block, South China
Authors: Huang Bin , Wang Wei , al. et
Published: March 2023

Figure S1: Chondrite-normalized rare earth element (REE) distribution patterns of zircon grains from Yuanmou granodiorite, gabbros, and alkaline basalts. Figure S2: Zr versus elements diagram for the Yuanmou pluton and associated dike to evaluate post-crystallization mobility of major and trace elements. Figure S3: Harker diagram of Yuanmou adakitic and mafic rocks, magmatic evolution was simulated by using the software “Magma Chamber Simulator” with recharge and fractional crystallization (RFC) processes. Figure S4: Plots of εHf(t) versus εNd(t) diagram for the Neoproterozoic adakitic rocks from the western margin of the Yangtze Block. Table S1: Concordant results of zircon U-Pb ages for the Neoproterozoic Yuanmou granodiorite pluton and its mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs) and associated dike. Table S2: The major analysis results of plagioclases for the Yuanmou granodiorites and MMEs and the major analysis results of amphiboles and clinopyroxenes for the Yuanmou MMEs. Table S3: The major and trace element analysis results for the Neoproterozoic adakitic, alkaline mafic and sub-alkaline mafic pluton in the western margin of the Yangtze Block. Table S4: The isotope results for the Neoproterozoic mafic and adakitic pluton in the western margin of the Yangtze Block. File S1: Original file of MCS. Magmatic evolution simulation of Yuanmou adakitic and mafic rocks, simulated by using the soft “Magma Chamber Simulator” with Recharge and Fractional crystallization (RFC) processes.
Supplemental Material: Compositional change from high-Mg to low-Mg magmatism at ca. 150 Ma in the central Lhasa terrane, Tibet: Switching from advancing to retreating subduction of the Bangong Tethyan slab
Authors: An Yu , Li Shi-Min , al. et
Published: March 2023

Supplemental Text S1: Analytical methods. Table S1: LA-ICP-MS zircon trace-element results for intrusive rocks from the Zhegu, Wengmunong, and Dulu plutons in the central Lhasa subterrane. Table S2: LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating results for intrusive rocks from the Zhegu, Wengmunong, and Dulu plutons in the central Lhasa subterrane. Table S3: In-situ zircon Hf isotopes analyzed by LA-MC-ICP-MS for intrusive rocks from the Zhegu, Wengmunong, and Dulu plutons in the central Lhasa subterrane. Table S4: Whole-rock major and trace-element concentrations for intrusive rocks from the Zhegu, Wengmunong, and Dulu plutons in the central Lhasa subterrane, and for duplicate samples and measured USGS standards. Table S5: Compiled GPS positions and zircon U-Pb age data for the magmatic rocks from the central and southern Lhasa subterranes. Table S6: Compiled GPS positions and detrital zircon U-Pb age and Hf isotopic data for sedimentary rocks from Mesozoic strata in the central and southern Lhasa subterranes. Figure S1: Whole-rock TiO2, Al2O3, TFe2O3, MgO, CaO, and Na2O versus SiO2 diagrams (A–F) for intrusive rocks from the Zhegu, Wengmunong, and Dulu plutons in the central Lhasa subterrane. Figure S2: (A) Whole-rock εNd(t) and (B) whole-rock (87Sr/86Sr)i versus zircon U-Pb age diagrams for Middle Jurassic–Early Cretaceous igneous rocks in the central Lhasa subterrane. Figure S3: Ba/Th versus La/Sm (A), Zr versus SiO2 (B), and Ba versus SiO2 (C) diagrams for Middle–Late Jurassic igneous rocks in the central Lhasa subterrane.
Ultrasound-guided Jamshidi needle puncture to reduce radiation exposure during percutaneous pedicle screw placement: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wu Tong , Chen Yi-feng , Huang Ying , Meng Fan-he , Lu Jing-han , Liu Da
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Percutaneous pedicle screw placement (PPSP) is a minimally invasive procedure highly dependent on fluoroscopic guidance, which results in increased radiation exposure and prolonged operative time. Ultrasound can image the lumbar paravertebral anatomy and the needle trajectory in real time, which may help reduce the use of fluoroscopy and radiation dose in PPSP. We will conduct a parallel randomised controlled trial to mainly investigate the effect of ultrasound guidance in radiation reduction during PPSP.

Methods and analysis

A total of 42 patients will be recruited and randomly assigned to the intervention group and the control group at a 1:1 ratio. In the intervention group, we will use ultrasound in combination with fluoroscopy to guide the insertion of the Jamshidi needles. In the control group, PPSP will be performed under conventional fluoroscopic guidance. The primary outcomes are the cumulative fluoroscopy time (s), radiation dose (mGy) and exposure times of screw placement. The secondary outcomes are insertion time of guidewire, rate of pedicle perforation, rate of facet joint violation, visual analogue scale for back pain, Oswestry Disability Index and complications. The participants, outcome assessors and data analysts will be blinded to allocation.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial was approved by the research ethics committee of Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University. The results will be presented at academic seminars and submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

This study involves human participants and was approved by Research Ethics Committee of Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University reference number：2022PS704K. Participants gave informed consent to participate in the study before taking part.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2200057131.
Rapid rEcognition of COrticosteRoiD resistant or sensitive Sepsis (RECORDS): study protocol for a multicentre, placebo-controlled, biomarker-guided, adaptive Bayesian design basket trial
Authors: Fleuriet Jérôme , Heming Nicholas , Meziani Ferhat , Reignier Jean , Declerq Pierre-Louis , Mercier Emmanuelle , Muller Grégoire , Colin Gwenhaël , Monnet Xavier , Robine Adrien , Siami Shidasp , Uhel Fabrice , Quenot Jean-Pierre , Plantefeve Gaetan , Badie Julio , Schneider Francis , Cerf Charles , Troché Gilles , Monchi Mehran , Mira Jean-Paul , Francois Bruno , Lamiae Grimaldi , Chevret Sylvie , Annane Djillali ,   RECORDS consortium
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Corticosteroids affect variably survival in sepsis trials, suggesting heterogeneity in patients’ response to corticosteroids. The RECORDS (Rapid rEcognition of COrticosteRoiD resistant or sensitive Sepsis) trial aimed at defining endotypes associated with adults with sepsis responsiveness to corticosteroids.

Methods and analysis

RECORDS, a multicentre, placebo-controlled, biomarker-guided, adaptive Bayesian design basket trial, will randomly assign to a biomarker stratum 1800 adults with community-acquired pneumonia, vasopressor-dependent sepsis, septic shock or acute respiratory distress syndrome. In each stratum, patients will be randomly assigned to receive a 7-day course of hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone or their placebos. Patients with COVID-19 will be treated with a 10-day standard course of dexamethasone and randomised to fludrocortisone or its placebo. Primary outcome will be 90-day death or persistent organ dysfunction. Large simulation study will be performed across a range of plausible scenarios to foresee power to detect a 5%–10% absolute difference with corticosteroids. We will assess subset-by-treatment interaction by estimating in a Bayesian framework two quantities: (1) measure of influence, relying on the value of the estimation of corticosteroids’ effect in each subset, and (2) measure of interaction.

Ethics and dissemination

The protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee (Comité de Protection des Personnes,Dijon, France), on 6 April 2020. Trial results will be disseminated at scientific conferences and results will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT04280497).
Rapid methods for identifying barriers and solutions to improve access to community health services: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Allen Luke Nelson , Azab Hagar , Jonga Ronald , Gordon Iris , Karanja Sarah , Evans Jennifer , Thaker Nam , Ramke Jacqueline , Bastawrous Andrew
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Low attendance rates for community health services reflect important barriers that prevent people from receiving the care they need. Services and health systems that seek to advance Universal Health Coverage need to understand and act on these factors. Formal qualitative research is the best way to elicit barriers and identify potential solutions, however traditional approaches take months to complete and can be very expensive. We aim to map the methods that have been used to rapidly elicit barriers to accessing community health services and identify potential solutions.

Methods and analysis

We will search MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library and Global Health for empirical studies that use rapid methods (<14 days) to elicit barriers and potential solutions from intended service beneficiaries. We will exclude hospital-based and 100% remotely delivered services. We will include studies conducted in any country from 1978 to present. We will not limit by language. Two reviewers will independently perform screening and data extraction, with disagreements resolved by a third reviewer. We will tabulate the different approaches used and present data on time, skills and financial requirements for each approach, as well as the governance framework and any strengths and weaknesses presented by the study authors. We will follow Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) scoping review guidance and report the review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required. We will share our findings in the peer-reviewed literature, at conferences, and with WHO policymakers working in this space.

Registration

Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/a6r2m).
Differences in humble leadership and team performance in nursing: an online cross-sectional study
Authors: Mrayyan Majd T
Published: March 2023

Objectives

The current study measures the differences in humble leadership and team performance in nursing based on the sample’s characteristics.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

In 2022, the current study sample was recruited from governmental and private universities and hospitals using an online survey.

Participants

A convenience snowball sample of 251 nursing educators, nurses and students was recruited.

Results

A leader’s humble leadership, a team’s humble leadership and overall humble leadership were at moderate levels. The overall mean team performance was ‘working well’. The single male humble leaders, aged more than 35 years and working full-time in an organisation with quality initiatives, have a higher leader’s humble leadership. Members of the team aged more than 35 years working full-time in organisations with quality initiatives have a higher team’s humble leadership. Team performance in organisations with quality initiatives was higher in resolving many conflicts by compromising between team members, with each one giving in a little. There was a moderate correlation (r=0.644) between the total scores of the overall humble leadership and team performance. Humble leadership correlated significantly but negatively and weakly with quality initiatives (r=−0.169) and the participant’s role (r=−0.163). There was no significant correlation between team performance and the sample’s characteristics.

Conclusions

Humble leadership has positive outcomes, such as team performance. The shared sample characteristic that sets the differences between a leader’s and a team’s humble leadership and team performance was the presence of quality initiatives in the organisation. The shared sample characteristics that set the differences in a leader’s and a team’s humble leadership were working full-time and the presence of quality initiatives in the organisation. Humble leaders are contagious; they will produce creative team members by ‘social contagion’, ‘behavioural similarity’, ‘team potency’ and ‘collective focus’. Thus, leadership protocols and interventions are mandated to fuel humble leadership and team performance.
Codesign of a digital health tool for suicide prevention: protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Wepa Dianne , Neal Martin , Abo-Gazala Waseem , Cusworth Sally , Hargan Jae , Mistry Manoj , Vaughan Jimmy , Giles Stephen , Khan Mehnaz , Power Lucy
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The role of digital health in providing psychological treatment and support for the prevention of suicide is well documented. Particular emphasis has been placed on digital health technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Providing psychological support reduces the burden of mental health conditions. The challenge is to provide support in the context of patient isolation, which highlights the role of digital technology (video conferencing, smartphone apps and social media). There is, however, a dearth of literature where experts by experience have been involved in the end-to-end process of developing digital health tools for suicide prevention.

Methods and analysis

This study aims to codesign a digital health tool for suicide prevention focusing on the enablers and barriers. The scoping review protocol is phase I within a three-phase study. The protocol will inform the second phase of the study which is the scoping review. The results of the review will inform a funding application to National Institute for Health and Care Research to codesign a digital health tool for suicide prevention (the third phase). The search strategy will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewer’s Manual for Scoping Reviews and incorporates the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews checklist to ensure reporting standards are maintained. The methodology will be supplemented by frameworks by Arksey and O’Malley and Levacet al. The search strategy dates for screening are from November 2022 to March 2023. Five databases will be searched: Medline, Scopus, CINAHL, PsycInfo and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Grey literature searches include government and non-government health websites, Google and Google Scholar. The data will be extracted and organised into relevant categories. The results will be synthesised into themes and inform phase II of the study.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics granted by the University of Bradford on 15 August 2022, reference E995. The project team will design a digital health tool, results will be published in a peer-review journal and disseminated through conferences.

Study registration number

Safety (Mental Health) Innovation Challenge Fund 2022–2023 Protocol RM0223/42079 Ver 0.1.
Holistic approach to drug therapy in a patient with heart failure
Authors: Forsyth Paul , Beezer Janine , Bateman Joanne
Published: March 2023

Heart failure (HF) is a growing global public health problem affecting at least 26 million people worldwide. The evidence-based landscape for HF treatment has changed at a rapid rate over the last 30 years. International guidelines for the management of HF now recommend the use of four pillars in all patients with reduced ejection fraction: angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitors or ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors. Beyond the main four pillar therapies, numerous further pharmacological treatments are also available in specific patient subtypes. These armouries of drug therapy are impressive, but where does this leave us with individualised and patient-centred care? This paper reviews the common considerations needed to provide a holistic, tailored and individual approach to drug therapy in a patient with HF with reduced ejection fraction, including shared decision making, initiating and sequencing of HF pharmacotherapy, drug-related considerations, polypharmacy and adherence.
Anti-VEGF therapy improves EGFR-vIII-CAR-T cell delivery and efficacy in syngeneic glioblastoma models in mice
Authors: Dong Xinyue , Ren Jun , Amoozgar Zohreh , Lee Somin , Datta Meenal , Roberge Sylvie , Duquette Mark , Fukumura Dai , Jain Rakesh K
Published: March 2023

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells have revolutionized the treatment of multiple types of hematological malignancies, but have shown limited efficacy in patients with glioblastoma (GBM) or other solid tumors. This may be largely due to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) that compromises CAR-T cells’ delivery and antitumor activity. We previously showed that blocking vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling can normalize tumor vessels in murine and human tumors, including GBM, breast, liver, and rectal carcinomas. Moreover, we demonstrated that vascular normalization can improve the delivery of CD8+ T cells and the efficacy of immunotherapy in breast cancer models in mice. In fact, the US FDA (Food and drug administration) has approved seven different combinations of anti-VEGF drugs and immune checkpoint blockers for liver, kidney, lung and endometrial cancers in the past 3 years. Here, we tested the hypothesis that anti-VEGF therapy can improve the delivery and efficacy of CAR-T cells in immunocompetent mice bearing orthotopic GBM tumors. We engineered two syngeneic mouse GBM cell lines (CT2A and GSC005) to express EGFRvIII—one of the most common neoantigens in human GBM—and CAR T cells to recognize EGFRvIII. We found that treatment with the anti-mouse VEGF antibody (B20) improved CAR-T cell infiltration and distribution throughout the GBM TME, delayed tumor growth, and prolonged survival of GBM-bearing mice compared with EGFRvIII-CAR-T cell therapy alone. Our findings provide compelling data and a rationale for clinical evaluation of anti-VEGF agents with CAR T cells for GBM patients.
Integrating leadership into the undergraduate medical curriculum in the UK: a systematic review
Authors: Hemmati Zeynab , Harris Susan
Published: March 2023

Background

Leadership is a critical skill required of a doctor and is necessary for clinical and organisational development. Literature suggests that newly qualified doctors are not prepared for the leadership roles and responsibilities that they need to undertake in clinical practice. The opportunities to develop the necessary skillset should be available in undergraduate medical training and throughout a doctor’s professional advancement. Various frameworks and guidance for a core leadership curriculum have been designed, but data on their integration in undergraduate medical education in the UK are minimal.

Methods

This systematic review collates and qualitatively analyses studies that have implemented and evaluated a leadership teaching intervention in undergraduate medical training in the UK.

Results

There are various approaches to teaching leadership in medical school, differing in mode of delivery and evaluation. Feedback on the interventions revealed that students gained insight into leadership and honed their skills.

Conclusions

The long-term effectiveness of the described leadership interventions in preparing newly qualified doctors cannot be conclusively determined. The implications for future research and practice are also provided in this review.
Prevalence of sarcopenia indicators and sub-optimal protein intake among elective total joint replacement patients
Authors: Coletta Giulia , Jakubowski Josephine S. , Phillips Stuart M. , Atkinson Stephanie , Papaioannou Alexandra , Pritchard Janet M.
Published: March 2023

Sarcopenia is associated with falls, and can complicate recovery following total joint replacement (TJR) surgery. We examined (1) the prevalence of sarcopenia indicators and lower-than-recommended protein intake among TJR patients and non-TJR community participants and (2) the relationships between dietary protein intake and sarcopenia indicators. We recruited adults ≥65 years of age who were undergoing TJR, and adults from the community not undergoing TJR (controls). We assessed grip strength and appendicular lean soft-tissue mass (ALSTMBMI) using DXA, and applied the original Foundation for the National Institutes of Health Sarcopenia Project cut-points for sarcopenia indicators (grip strength <26 kg for men and <16 kg for women; ALSTM <0.789 m2 for men and <0.512 m2 for women) and less conservative cut-points (grip strength <31.83 kg for men and <19.99 kg for women; ALSTM <0.725 m2 for men and <0.591 m2 for women). Total daily and per meal protein intakes were derived from 5-day diet records. Sixty-seven participants (30 TJR, 37 controls) were enrolled. Using less conservative cut-points for sarcopenia, more control participants were weak compared with TJR participants (46% versus 23%, p = 0.055), and more TJR participants had low ALSTMBMI (40% versus 13%, p = 0.013). Approximately 70% of controls and 76% of TJR participants consumed <1.2 g protein/kg/day ( p = 0.559). Total daily dietary protein intake was positively associated with grip strength ( r = 0.44, p = 0.001) and ALSTMBMI ( r = 0.29, p = 0.03). Using less conservative cut-points, low ALSTMBMI, but not weakness, was more common in TJR patients. Both groups may benefit from a dietary intervention to increase protein intake, which may improve surgical outcomes in TJR patients.
Adsorption of tetracycline antibiotics to gold nanoparticles and feasibility of aptamer-based label-free colorimetric detection
Authors: Song Yuheng , von Eppinghoven Derek H.G. , Zhou Yang , Zhang Hanxiao , Liu Juewen
Published: March 2023

Tetracyclines are a group of very important antibiotics that are still in use. To extract, detect, and remove tetracyclines from the environment, various nanomaterials have been employed. Although gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are a commonly cited material for these purposes, a fundamental understanding of these tetracycline-AuNP systems is still limited. In this work, the adsorption of tetracycline, oxytetracycline, and doxycycline to AuNPs was studied. The effect on the colloidal stability of AuNPs, adsorption kinetics, and the resulting adsorption isotherms was measured. While millimolar concentrations of the tetracyclines can cause aggregation of AuNPs, saturated monolayer adsorption was achieved with low micromolar concentrations of the tetracyclines. Adsorption was instantaneous, and adsorption to AuNPs enhanced their intrinsic fluorescence instead of quenching. With the assumption that aptamer/target complexes cannot be easily adsorbed by AuNPs compared to free aptamers, a label-free colorimetric detection method was tested. While the label-free sensor showed target-dependent aggregation of AuNPs, a nonbinding mutant aptamer showed the same trend, suggesting that the color change did not reflect aptamer adsorption but other events such as target adsorption. This study indicates the importance of the fundamental understanding of target/AuNP interactions to correctly design aptamer and AuNP-based label-free biosensors.
Temporal patterns of reciprocity in communication networks
Authors: Chowdhary Sandeep , Andres Elsa , Manna Adriana , Blagojević Luka , Di Gaetano Leonardo , Iñiguez Gerardo
Published: March 2023

Human communication, the essence of collective social phenomena ranging from small-scale organizations to worldwide online platforms, features intense reciprocal interactions between members in order to achieve stability, cohesion, and cooperation in social networks. While high levels of reciprocity are well known in aggregated communication data, temporal patterns of reciprocal information exchange have received far less attention. Here we propose measures of reciprocity based on the time ordering of interactions and explore them in data from multiple communication channels, including calls, messaging and social media. By separating each channel into reciprocal and non-reciprocal temporal networks, we find persistent trends that point to the distinct roles of one-to-one exchange versus information broadcast. We implement several null models of communication activity, which identify memory, a higher tendency to repeat interactions with past contacts, as a key source of temporal reciprocity. When adding memory to a model of activity-driven, time-varying networks, we reproduce the levels of temporal reciprocity seen in empirical data. Our work adds to the theoretical understanding of the emergence of reciprocity in human communication systems, hinting at the mechanisms behind the formation of norms in social exchange and large-scale cooperation.
Twisted intersection colorings, invariants and double coverings of twisted links
Authors: Ito Hiroki , Kamada Seiichi
Published: March 2023

Twisted links are a generalization of classical links and correspond to stably equivalence classes of links in thickened surfaces. In this paper, we introduce twisted intersection colorings of a diagram and construct two invariants of a twisted link using such colorings. As an application, we show that there exist infinitely many pairs of twisted links such that for each pair the two twisted links are not equivalent but their double coverings are equivalent.

We also introduce a method of constructing a pair of twisted links whose double coverings are equivalent.
High-Performance Multi-RNS-Assisted Concurrent RSA Cryptosystem Architectures
Authors: Elango S. , Sampath P. , Raja Sekar S. , Philip Sajan P , Danielraj A.
Published: March 2023

In public-key cryptography, the RSA algorithm is an inevitable part of hardware security because of the ease of implementation and security. RSA Cryptographic algorithm uses many modular arithmetic operations that decide the overall performance of the architecture. This paper proposes VLSI architecture to implement an RSA public-key cryptosystem driven by the Residue Number System (RNS). Modular exponentiation in the RSA algorithm is executed by dividing the entire process into modular squaring and multiplication operations. Based on the RNS employment in modulo-exponential operation, two RSA architectures are proposed. A Verilog HDL code is used to model the entire RSA architecture and ported in Zynq FPGA (XC7Z020CLG484-1) for Proof of Concept (PoC). The Cadence Genus Synthesizer tool characterizes a system’s performance for TSMCs standard Cell library. Partial RNS (Proposed-I)- and Fully RNS (Proposed-II)-based RSA architectures increase the operation speed by 13% and 35%, respectively, compared with the existing RSA. Even though there is an increase in parameters like area, power and PDP for a smaller key size, the improvement in area utilization and encryption/ decryption speed of RSA for a larger key size is evident from the analysis.
Vocational Education Information Technology Based on Cross-Attention Fusion Knowledge Map Recommendation Algorithm
Authors: Jiang Peng
Published: March 2023

With the rapid development of China’s economic development, the demand for technical talents in all walks of life is becoming more and more urgent. Therefore, the research on the intelligent method of vocational education information is becoming more and more important. In this research, the cross-attention fusion module and attention mechanism are introduced into the knowledge map recommendation algorithm to build an algorithm model. The attention mechanism is used to give corresponding attention to each neighbour node of the head node in the knowledge map, and a weight matrix is established to represent different importances of the additional information contained by each neighbour node, which further improves the interpretability of the recommendation. Finally, the model is analysed experimentally. The results show that CAF is superior to other algorithms in Recall and NDCG, which further verifies that attention mechanism plays a significant role in communication. It can be seen that CAF optimisation model is superior to other algorithms in many tests, and is superior to a similar algorithm MKR, which further verifies the effectiveness and superiority of cross-attention fusion module. The CAF model can still maintain its stability in the case of sparse data.
Redesigning Knowledge Management Through Corporate Sustainability Strategy in the Post-Pandemic Era
Authors: Padhy Prabir Chandra , Lathabhavan Remya
Published: March 2023

This study investigates the role of Knowledge Management (KM) in integrating corporate sustainability practices in the post-pandemic context. It also examines the current literature on KM and sustainable development and develops a sustainable conceptual model. Based on a survey of contemporary literature and KM and corporate sustainability approach, this study proposes a conceptual framework with KM and corporate sustainability strategy as fundamental constructs to attain organisational excellence (OE) in the post-pandemic era. The research adds conceptual and situational elements such as the interaction between KM and sustainability strategy, creative approaches for developing a structural framework, and the right direction for boosting efficiency. The research is one of the first to present a comprehensive framework for achieving OE in the post-pandemic era. Furthermore, by focussing on COVID-19 and the post-pandemic environment, this research provides a new perspective on KM and corporate sustainability literature.
Hybrid accurate simulations for constructing some novel analytical and numerical solutions of three-order GNLS equation
Authors: Khater Mostafa M. A.
Published: March 2023

This study presents analytical and numerical solutions of a simplified third-order generalized nonlinear Schrödinger equation (GNLSE) to demonstrate how ultrashort pulses behave in optical fiber and quantum fields. The investigated model can be used as a wave model to illustrate the wave aspect of the matter. It is called a quantum-mechanical state function because it might show how atoms and transistors move and act physically. Four analytical and numerical schemes are used to construct an accurate novel solution. Khater II (Kha II) and novel Kudryashov (NKud) methods are present in the employed analytical scheme. In contrast, the exponential cubic-B-spline and trigonometric-quantic-B-spline schemes represent the simulated numerical techniques. Many novel solitary wave solutions are constructed and formulated in some distinct forms and represented through density, three-, and two-dimensional graphs. The built analytical solutions accuracy is investigated by deriving the requested boundary and initial conditions for implementing the suggested numerical schemes that show the matching between both solutions (analytical and numerical). This matching between solutions proves the accuracy of the obtained solutions. Additionally, to guarantee the applicability of our solutions, we investigate their stability by using the Hamiltonian systems properties. Finally, the novelty of our study and its scientific contributions are illuminated by comparing our results with recently published ones.
Sagittal trunk excursion and lumbar repositioning error between female and male patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome
Authors: Ibrahim Hassan Ibrahim Mohamed , Keblawy Maher El , Elsalam Mohammed Abd , Embaby Eman Ahmed
Published: March 2023

Background: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a challenging clinical problem affecting adults, adolescents, and physically active populations. PFPS impacts the patient’s trunk kinematics in the frontal plane. Previous studies have found gender-based biomechanical differences in patients with PFPS; however, sagittal trunk kinematics during mini-squats and lumbar proprioception in PFPS have not been studied previously.

Objectives: To investigate sagittal trunk excursion (It is defined as the sagittal trunk flexion angle from the start to the end of the mini squat) during mini-squats as well as lumbar repositioning error between individuals with and without PFPS, and determine gender differences in the outcome variables.

Methods: A sample of 56 participants aged 18–25 years was enrolled; 30 with PFPS (13 males, 17 females) and 26 asymptomatic controls (11 males, 15 females). The sagittal trunk excursion during mini-squats was examined by two-dimensional (2D) photographic analysis using Surgimap software. Active lumbar flexion repositioning error was assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer.

Results: For sagittal trunk excursion, no significant main effect of group was observed ([Formula: see text]). On the other hand, the main effect was significant for gender ([Formula: see text]), as was the interaction effect. Compared to the control group, the PFPS group showed significantly ([Formula: see text]) lower sagittal trunk excursion in females than in males during mini-squats. For active lumbar flexion repositioning error, no evidence was found for significant main or interaction effects ([Formula: see text]).

Conclusion: Females with PFPS exhibit a more erect sagittal trunk posture than males during mini-squats. Trunk posture should be considered during weight-bearing activities in PFPS, and gender-specific assessment protocols should be developed.
On classical orthogonal polynomials and the Cholesky factorization of a class of Hankel matrices
Authors: Marriaga Misael E. , de Salas Guillermo Vera , Latorre Marta , Alcázar Rubén Muñoz
Published: March 2023

Classical moment functionals (Hermite, Laguerre, Jacobi, Bessel) can be characterized as those linear functionals whose moments satisfy a second-order linear recurrence relation. In this work, we use this characterization to link the theory of classical orthogonal polynomials and the study of Hankel matrices whose entries satisfy a second-order linear recurrence relation. Using the recurrent character of the entries of such Hankel matrices, we give several characterizations of the triangular and diagonal matrices involved in their Cholesky factorization and connect them with a corresponding characterization of classical orthogonal polynomials.
Structure and electrical properties of La2O3-doped (K,Na,Li)(Nb,Ta)O3-(Bi,Na)TiO3 ceramics
Authors: Wang Bingsen , Wang Junjun , Li Jiaqi , Yang Miao , Huang Minghao , Ma Tianyi , Tian Yu , Wu Fengmin
Published: March 2023

In this paper, Lead-free based on 0.97([Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text])([Formula: see text][Formula: see text])O3–0.03[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]TiO3 with additives La2O3 (1, 2, 3, 4 wt.%) was prepared by the solid reaction method, and the effect of La dopant on the structural and electrical properties is investigated. The result indicates La dopant considerably decreases the optical band gap compared to the undoped composition. On the other hand, La doping leads to the higher dielectric property in a wider temperature, providing possibilities and directions for the subsequent development of ferroelectric photovoltaic materials with electrical properties and low optical band gap in a dramatical manner.
Scaling effects on the seismic response of a closed-end pipe pile embedded in dry and saturated coarse grain soils
Authors: Al-Jeznawi Duaa , Jais I. B. Mohamed , Al-Janabi Musab Aied Qissab , Alzabeebee Saif , Albusoda Bushra S. , Keawsawasvong Suraparb
Published: March 2023

Foundations can be subjected to dynamic or seismic loads depending on their applications and the site being constructed in. The researchers concentrated their works on investigating the reasons of the significant damage of piles during seismic excitation. Based on the findings of laboratory experiments and other numerical analyses, such failures were referred to as the kinematic impact of the earthquake on piles since they were associated with discontinuities in the subsoil because of sudden changes in soil stiffness. The current work investigates the seismic response of closed-end (CE) pipe pile using three-dimensional finite element analysis, including the impact of the scaling-up model, acceleration-time history of the ground motion, and ground conditions. The numerical model is developed using a variety of scaling rules and the outputs of the available laboratory tests. The current results showed that the saturated sand models have larger pile deformation factors than dry sand models. Pile frictional resistance was evaluated numerically, and the entire findings were evaluated against the earlier work. Mainly, the frictional resistance around the pile shaft was lower than that at the pile tip, and the frictional resistance factor on the soil surface of dry soil models was larger than that of saturated soil models. Owing to the acceleration amplifications, the pile and soil suffered cycles of compression and tension stresses. A hysteresis loop is broader and flatter on the x-axis as the shear strain increases serve to identify the shear stress–strain plane behavior. The main outputs of the scaled models were normalized to provide a deep insight of model to prototype scaling effects.
Fast One-Sided RDMA-Based State Machine Replication for Disaggregated Memory
Authors: Du Jingwen , Wang Fang , Feng Dan , Gan Changchen , Cao Yuchao , Zou Xiaomin , Li Fan
Published: March 2023

Disaggregated memory architecture has risen in popularity for large datacenters with the advantage of improved resource utilization, failure isolation, and elasticity. Replicated state machines (RSMs) have been extensively used for reliability and consistency. In traditional RSM protocols, each replica stores replicated data and has the computing power to participate in some part of the protocols. However, traditional RSM protocols fail to work in the disaggregated memory architecture due to asymmetric resources on CPU nodes and memory nodes. This article proposes ECHO, a fast one-sided RDMA-based RSM protocol with lightweight log replication and remote applying, efficient linearizability guarantee, and fast coordinator failure recovery. ECHO enables all operations in the protocol to be efficiently executed using only one-sided RDMA, without the participation of any computing resource in the memory pool. To provide lightweight log replication and remote applying, ECHO couples the replicated log and the state machine to avoid dual-copy and performs remote applying by updating pointers. To enable efficient remote log state management, ECHO leverages a hitchhiked log state updating scheme to eliminate extra network round trips. To provide efficient linearizability guarantee, ECHO performs immediate remote applying after log replication and leverages the local locks at the coordinator to ensure linear consistency. Moreover, ECHO adopts a commit-aware log cache to make data visible immediately after being committed. To achieve fast failure recovery, ECHO leverages a commit point identification scheme to reduce the overhead of log consistency recovery. Experimental results demonstrate that ECHO outperforms the state-of-the-art RSM protocol (namely Sift) in multiple scenarios. For example, ECHO achieves 27%–52% higher throughput on typical write-intensive workloads. Moreover, ECHO reduces the consistency recovery time by three orders of magnitude for coordinator failure.
Age-related changes in left ventricular vortex and energy loss patterns: from newborns to adults
Authors: Becker Kristian C. , Cohen Jennifer , Nyce Jon D. , Yau Jen Lie , Uppu Santosh C. , Sengupta Partho P. , Srivastava Shubhika
Published: March 2023

This research article demonstrates, for the first time, echocardiographic evidence of a transition in left ventricular vortex patterns from the newborn to the adult period, with an associated change in cardiac efficiency, marked by increased energy loss, during infancy.
Experimental Evaluation of Bond Strength between Setting Retarder Added Concrete and Normal Concrete
Authors: Son Jin-Su , Song Chiwon , Chin Won-Jong , Kim Young-Jin , Lee Jin-Young
Published: March 2023

The large size concrete structures are continuously placed with time delay due to practical reasons. The bond strength between old concrete and new concrete is related with a performance of concrete structures. In order to investigate bond strength of slant shear specimens, the specimens (100 × 100 × 300 mm) were fabricated and tested. Two fractions of setting retarder (0% and 1%), surface roughness (none, brushed, and chipping), and curing hours (8, 16, 24, and 72 hours) were considered as variables. Failure modes, compressive strength, and displacement were measured to evaluate the bond strength of specimens. As a result, chipping treatment, which is commonly applied to increase the bond strength between old and new concrete, did not show significant increase of bond strength. The addition of retarder shows that the increased bond strength compared with the chipping treatment. The addition of the retarder in concrete shows sufficient bond strength after the previous placing of 16 hours. Furthermore, the retarder-added specimens with additional brushing treatment of concrete surfaces showed increase of bond strength more than the specimens without brushing. From the test results, it is confirmed that the addition of the retarder can be a new method to increase the bond strength of the concrete surface in continuous placement of concrete.
Impact of Fasting Blood Glucose Levels on Blood Pressure Parameters among Older Adults with Prediabetes
Authors: Roengrit Thapanee , Sri-Amad Ruchada , Huipao Nawiya , Phababpha Suphawadee , Prasertsri Piyapong
Published: March 2023

Prediabetes mellitus (pre-DM) is defined as blood glucose levels higher than normal but lower than the threshold for diabetes mellitus (DM) diagnosis. Four-limb blood pressure (BP) differences can help identify a significant risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The current study aimed to determine the importance of BP and the ankle-brachial index (ABI) between two patient groups and the association between fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels and four-limb BP, ABI, interarm BP difference (IAD), and interleg BP difference (ILD). Moreover, the effect of cardiovascular risk factors on the development of pre-DM among older adults was evaluated. The participants were divided into the normal fasting glucose (NFG) and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) groups. Data on physical characteristics, lipid profiles, four-limb BP, ABI, IAD, ILD, and cardiovascular risk factors were assessed. The IFG group had a significantly higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) and pulse pressure than the NFG group (

p
 
<
 
0.05

). SBP was significantly positively correlated with FBG levels (

p
 
<
 
0.05

). The IFG group had a lower ABI than the NFG group (

p
 
<
 
0.05

). However, there was no significant difference in terms of IAD and ILD between the two groups. Furthermore, hypertension (HT), metabolic syndrome (MetS), and dyslipidemia were significantly correlated with a high prevalence of prediabetes (

p
 
<
 
0.05

). Individuals with prediabetes had a higher BP than those with normoglycemia. Prediabetes was correlated with HT, MetS, and dyslipidemia.
Characterization of a Highly Virulent Noncytopathic Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus 2b Isolate Detected in Cattle in Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Chai Chunxia , Zhang Fan , Diao Yun , Zhou Yanyan , Li Shaowei , Yin Hua , Zhang Jinlong , Niu Rui , Wang Wei
Published: March 2023

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection causes subclinical to severe acute disease in cattle all over the world. Two genotypes of BVDV are recognized, BVDV1 and BVDV2. Currently, the subtypes of BVDV1b and BVDV2a are mainly circulating in China. Here, a newly noncytopathic (ncp) BVDV strain named BVDVNM21 was isolated and identified from cattle. We determined the complete genome sequence of BVDVNM21, phylogenetic analysis of 5′ untranslated region (5′UTR), Npro, and E2 gene, and complete genome showed the virus belongs to BVDV2b subtype and formed an independent clade within BVDV2b. Genome-wide sequence analysis showed that BVDVNM21 had high homology with SD1301 (98.10%) isolated from China. In the experimental infection study of guinea pigs and calves, they all developed similar clinical signs, including a pronounced and prolonged febrile response lasting more than 3 days and pronounced reduction in white blood cells (WBC) and platelets of more than 40%. Moreover, guinea pigs showed more acute infection characteristics after infection, and WBC decreased by more than 50% at 1 day postinfection (dpi), and they recovered in less than 3 days. The results indicated that the BVDVNM21 strain showed high virulence in calves. It was the first confirmed isolation of a highly pathogenic ncpBVDV2b in cattle, as well as the establishment of the BVDV-guinea pig model. This study may provide a basis for further research and control of the prevalence of BVDV2b in China.