bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Semantic competence and prototypical verbalizations are associated with higher OSCE and global medical degree scores: a multi-theory pilot study on year 6 medical student verbalizations
Authors: Diogo Pedro Grilo , Pereira Vítor Hugo , Papa Frank , van der Vleuten Cees , Durning Steven J. , Sousa Nuno
Published: March 2023

Objectives

The organization of medical knowledge is reflected in language and can be studied from the viewpoints of semantics and prototype theory. The purpose of this study is to analyze student verbalizations during an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and correlate them with test scores and final medical degree (MD) scores. We hypothesize that students whose verbalizations are semantically richer and closer to the disease prototype will show better academic performance.

Methods

We conducted a single-center study during a year 6 (Y6) high-stakes OSCE where one probing intervention was included at the end of the exam to capture students’ reasoning about one of the clinical cases. Verbalizations were transcribed and coded. An assessment panel categorized verbalizations regarding their semantic value (Weak, Good, Strong). Semantic categories and prototypical elements were compared with OSCE, case-based exam and global MD scores.

Results

Students with Semantic ‘Strong’ verbalizations displayed higher OSCE, case-based exam and MD scores, while the use of prototypical elements was associated with higher OSCE and MD scores.

Conclusions

Semantic competence and verbalizations matching the disease prototype may identify students with better organization of medical knowledge. This work provides empirical groundwork for future research on language analysis to support assessment decisions.
Tomorrow I’ll go (a) shopping: on the history of the Expeditionary Go construction and its relation to the absentive
Authors: Fanego Teresa
Published: March 2023

Work on Construction Grammar and Diachronic Construction Grammar has foregrounded the idea that constructions are organized as a network of interconnected form-meaning pairs. This article explores the history of the construction exemplified in the title, henceforth referred to as the Expeditionary Go construction, and its relation both to other members of the small family of English go-constructions and to the prepositional be-progressive (e.g., 1700, They were a hunting). The analysis traces the development of expeditionary go since Old English times and argues that it was a device conveying the Subject’s remoteness from the speaker-oriented deictic centre. This function has remained basically unchanged over the course of the history of English, but the form of expeditionary clauses has been adjusted as a result of profound language-internal and language-external developments; these developments have brought expeditionary clauses and other members of the network of go-constructions, most especially admonitive clauses (Don’t go peeping like that!), closer together.
Extreme Weather Events and Economic Activity: The Case of Low Water Levels on the Rhine River
Authors: Ademmer Martin , Jannsen Nils , Meuchelböck Saskia
Published: March 2023

We make use of historical data on water levels on the Rhine river to analyze the impact of weather-related supply shocks on economic activity in Germany. Our analysis shows that low water levels lead to severe disruptions in inland water transportation and cause a significant and economically meaningful decrease of economic activity. In a month with 30 days of low water, industrial production in Germany declines by about 1 percent, ceteris paribus. Our analysis highlights the importance of extreme weather events for business cycle analysis and contributes to gauging the costs of extreme weather events in advanced economies.
Durability of Hinoki (Chamaecyparis obtusa) stained wood following Anaglyptus subfasciatus infestation
Authors: Morikawa Takuya , Yamasuso Nobuhiro , Ashitani Tatsuya , Takahashi Koetsu
Published: March 2023

The Japanese longhorn beetle, Anaglyptus subfasciatus, infests coniferous trees resulting in stained wood and low-value discolored lumber. In this study, the discolored Hinoki (Chamaecyparis obtusa) wood was analysed by GC-MS for n-hexane extract, and laboratory wood block tests against termite was carried out. Stained wood had anti-termitic resistance similar to normal heartwood, and it had about twice the n-hexane extract by weight than obtained from heartwood. One compound, nerolidol, was characteristically found in the stained wood. The results suggest that the stained wood may have produced some bioactive components due to damage by wood decay organisms.
Numerical analysis of reinforced concrete beams subjected to impact loads
Authors: Alshaarbaf Ihsan A. S. , Mouwainea Enas Mabrook , Said AbdulMuttalib I.
Published: March 2023

Numerical models for impact load assessment are becoming increasingly reliable and accurate in recent years. The processing time duration for such analysis has been decreased to an acceptable level when combined with modern computer hardware. The aim of this study was to represent a simulation technique and to verify the validity of modern software in measuring the response of reinforced concrete beam strengthened by carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheet subjected to impact loads at the ultimate load ranges. In this investigation, ABAQUS/Explicit Software’s nonlinear finite element modeling had been used. The response of the impact force–time history and the displacement–time history graphs were compared to the existing experimental results. The adopted general-purpose finite element analysis is verified to be capable of simulating and accurately forecasting the impact behavior for structural systems. In addition, a parametric analysis was carried out to gain a better knowledge of the performance of reinforced concrete beams under impact loading. Four parameters had been changed among the analyzed beams such as impact velocity, impact mass, CFRP sheet thickness, and compressive strength of concrete. Generally, it has been found that using a CFRP sheet in strengthening reinforced concrete beams can greatly improve the members’ impact behavior by improving stiffness as well as increasing load-carrying capacities. The enhanced performance characteristics of strengthening beams under impact loads correlate with the applied kinetic energy and CFRP thicknesses. Finally, for beams with high compressive strength, the deflection values were reduced because of the increase in stiffness.
Non-destructive evaluation of soluble solid content in fruits with various skin thicknesses using visible–shortwave near-infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Pratiwi Evia Zunita D. , Pahlawan Muhammad F. R. , Rahmi Diah N. , Amanah Hanim Z. , Masithoh Rudiati E.
Published: March 2023

Visible–shortwave near-infrared spectroscopy has been used for internal quality measurement, but the optical penetration to the thickness of fruit skin becomes a challenge. This research aimed to develop partial least square regression model for the soluble solid content (SSC) measurement of fruits having various skin thicknesses, namely dragon fruit, tomato, guava, sapodilla, and banana. The spectra of each fruit were taken in a reflectance mode over a wavelength range of 400–1,000 nm. The best models obtained from banana and sapodilla yielded determination coefficient of prediction (R
2
p) of 0.88 and 0.90 and root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) 0.39 and 0.38°Brix, respectively. The banana and sapodilla SSC prediction models should be able to be used carefully in a variety of applications. Tomato and guava had moderately thinner skin but had the lower R
2
p of 0.64 and 0.76 and the RMSEP of 0.17 and 0.26°Brix, respectively. The poorest model was yielded by dragon fruit, which had the thickest skin with the R
2
p of 0.59 and the RMSEP of 0.40°Brix. The model for guava, although having low R
2
p, can still be utilized as a screening criterion and in some other ‘approximate’ applications. However, the SSC prediction model for tomatoes and dragon fruit is not recommended to use and requires additional research. In addition to the effect of skin thickness, other fruit morphological influences the result of this study. Internal structure and seed number influence the reflection optical geometry, which also affects the SSC prediction model.
Coupling between tautomerism and radiationless deactivation in porphycenes
Authors: Waluk Jacek
Published: March 2023

Quantum yields of fluorescence of porphycenes – porphyrin isomers – can vary by orders of magnitude, even for very similar derivatives, such as meso-dimethyl- vs. meso-tetramethylporphycene. In weakly emitting porphycenes the fluorescence intensity strongly depends on viscosity and can be recovered by placing a molecule in a rigid environment. We postulate that the efficient nonradiative deactivation is due to the quantum effect, delocalization of the inner protons. The delocalization, which increases with the strength of intramolecular hydrogen bonds may induce structural changes that lead to distortion from planarity and, as a result, efficient S0 ← S1 internal conversion. The effect seems to be general, as indicated by good correlation between the quantum yield of fluorescence and the distance between H-bonded nitrogen atoms, the latter being a reliable measure of hydrogen bonding strength. Based on the available photophysical and X-ray data, such correlation was found so far for over 20 differently substituted porphycenes.
Metakaolin-based geopolymers filled with volcanic fly ashes: FT-IR, thermal characterization, and antibacterial property
Authors: Blanco Ignazio , D’Angelo Antonio , Viola Veronica , Vertuccio Luigi , Catauro Michelina
Published: March 2023

In countries where volcanic activity is widespread, fly ash (FA) formation can represent both a waste to be disposed of and a resource of inorganic substances that can be utilized. Among the technologies able to incorporate FA, geopolymers (GP) or inorganic aluminosilicate amorphous materials are very suitable for this purpose. In this study, GP are realized using metakaolin (MK), sodium hydroxide solution (NaOH 8 M), sodium silicate solution (Na2SiO3), and FA as filler (20 wt% with respect to MK content). The samples were cured at 25 or 40°C for 24 h and the physicochemical, thermal, and antibacterial properties of this material through the integrity test, weight loss test, Fourier-transform infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Kirby-Bauer assay were assessed. Integrity and weight loss tests indirectly revealed the stability of the macroscopic 3D networks and that the curing at 40°C led to more stable GP. The shift of the Si–O–T absorption band (from 1,090 cm−1 of the MK to 1,017–1,012 cm−1 of the specimens with and without FA) in FT-IR spectra suggested the occurrence of the geopolymerizazion reactions, while TGA study confirmed the higher stability of samples cured at 40°C (with a mass loss equal to 7–13% at 800°C under nitrogen atmosphere). Finally, the antimicrobial activity shed light on the ability of the synthesized GP with the filler and treated at 40°C to have a great effect against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Qualitative analysis of nonlinear electrostatic excitations in magnetoplasma with pressure anisotropy
Authors: Khalid Muhammad , Kabir Abdul , Jan Lal Said
Published: March 2023

The nonlinear propagation of ion-acoustic (IA) electrostatic solitary waves (SWs) is investigated in a magnetized electron-ion plasma in the presence of pressure anisotropy. The energy integral equation is derived by employing the Sagdeev approach. The current approach only allows for positive potential nonlinear structures. The effect of relevant plasma parameters on the characteristics of SW structures is investigated. The current study may be significant in space and astrophysical plasma systems.
Batf stabilizes Th17 cell development via impaired Stat5 recruitment of Ets1‐Runx1 complexes
Authors: Pham Duy , Silberger Daniel J , Nguyen Kim N , Gao Min , Weaver Casey T , Hatton Robin D
Published: March 2023

Although the activator protein‐1 (AP‐1) factor Batf is required for Th17 cell development, its mechanisms of action to underpin the Th17 program are incompletely understood. Here, we find that Batf ensures Th17 cell identity in part by restricting alternative gene programs through its actions to restrain IL‐2 expression and IL‐2‐induced Stat5 activation. This, in turn, limits Stat5‐dependent recruitment of Ets1‐Runx1 factors to Th1‐ and Treg‐cell‐specific gene loci. Thus, in addition to pioneering regulatory elements in Th17‐specific loci, Batf acts indirectly to inhibit the assembly of a Stat5‐Ets1‐Runx1 complex that enhances the transcription of Th1‐ and Treg‐cell‐specific genes. These findings unveil an important role for Stat5‐Ets1‐Runx1 interactions in transcriptional networks that define alternate T cell fates and indicate that Batf plays an indispensable role in both inducing and maintaining the Th17 program through its actions to regulate the competing actions of Stat5‐assembled enhanceosomes that promote Th1‐ and Treg‐cell developmental programs.
Growth and disease burden in children with hypophosphatasia
Authors: Högler Wolfgang , Linglart Agnès , Petryk Anna , Kishnani Priya S , Seefried Lothar , Fang Shona , Rockman-Greenberg Cheryl , Ozono Keiichi , Dahir Kathryn , Martos-Moreno Gabriel Ángel
Published: March 2023

Objective

Hypophosphatasia, an inborn error of metabolism characterized by impaired bone mineralization, can affect growth. This study evaluated relationships between anthropometric parameters (height, weight, and body mass index) and clinical manifestations of hypophosphatasia in children.

Design

Data from children (aged <18 years) with hypophosphatasia were analyzed from the observational Global Hypophosphatasia Registry.

Methods

Anthropometric parameters were evaluated by age group (<2 years and ≥2 years) at assessment. The frequency of hypophosphatasia manifestations was compared between children with short stature (< percentile) and those with normal stature.

Results

This analysis included 215 children (54.4% girls). Short stature presented in 16.1% of children aged <2 years and 20.4% of those aged ≥2 years at assessment. Among those with available data (n = 62), height was below the target height (mean: −0.66 standard deviations). Substantial worsening of growth (mean delta height z score: −1.45; delta weight z score: −0.68) occurred before 2 years of age, while in those aged ≥2 years, anthropometric trajectories were maintained (delta height z score: 0.08; delta weight z score: 0.13). Broad-ranging hypophosphatasia manifestations (beyond dental) were observed in most children.

Conclusions

Short stature was not a consistent characteristic of children with hypophosphatasia, but growth impairment was observed in those aged <2 years, indicating that hypophosphatasia might affect growth plate activity during infancy. In addition, a broad range of clinical manifestations occurred in those above and below the third percentile for height, suggesting that height alone may not accurately reflect hypophosphatasia disease burden and that weight is less affected than longitudinal growth.
Research trends and hotspots of mesenchymal stromal cells in intervertebral disc degeneration: a scientometric analysis
Authors: Yao Minghe , Wu Tingkui , Wang Beiyu
Published: March 2023

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are important potential candidates for regenerative therapy for intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). This scientometric study aimed to summarize the main research trends, identify current research hotspots, and measure the networks of the contributors and their scientific productivity.

A total of 1102 publications regarding MSC in IDD were recognized from January 2000 to April 2022. The number of records every year followed an overall uptrend with fluctuations.

The main trend of research demonstrated the practice of gradually applying MSC-based therapy to IDD with the assistance of advances in biomaterials and IDD pathology. A recent focus on MSC-derived exosomes and notochordal cells was detected.

The basic studies in this field were mainly contributed to by Japan, the USA, and European countries, while China dominated in the number of recent publications. Tokai University with Daisuke Sakai was the most productive contributor.

Cell biology, tissue engineering, and biomaterials were the categories with deep engagement in research of this field.
Intraosseous regional prophylactic antibiotics decrease the risk of infection in total knee arthroplasty compared with intravenous antibiotics: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lei Xinhuan , Xiang Jie , Yang Hailan , Bao Hongya , Zhu Zhong , Luo Hua
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Surgical site infection (SSI) is a rare and serious complication of total knee arthroplasty (TKA), which causes a poor prognosis for patients. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of intraosseous (IO) antibiotics in preventing infection and complications after TKA compared with intravenous (IV) antibiotics and to provide a certain theoretical basis for clinical treatment.

Methods

The review process was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We searched the PubMed, Embase, Ovid, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases about trials on IO antibiotics (into the proximal tibia before skin incision) to prevent infections in TKA from the respective inception dates to September 30, 2022. The infection occurred within 3 months after surgery. Both researchers individually screened the studies in accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria, performed the literature quality evaluation and data extraction, and used Stata 17 software for data analysis.

Results

Five studies that enrolled 3801 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that IO antibiotics were effective in reducing the incidence of SSI (OR: 0.25, P = 0.001) and periprosthetic joint infections (OR: 0.16, P = 0.004) relative to IV. Moreover, the percentage of infection due to Gram-positive bacteria (OR: 0.18, P = 0.025) was reduced in the IO group compared with that in IV group, but Gram-negative bacteria levels were not significantly reduced (P = 0.14). There was no difference between the two groups for other systemic adverse effects of the drug.

Conclusions

IO antibiotics in TKA are safe and effective alternatives to IV antibiotics. Large randomized clinical studies comparing infection rates and related complications with IO and IV antibiotics are required.
Non-union incidence of different joint preparation types, joint fixation techniques, and postoperative weightbearing protocols for arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint in moderate-to-severe hallux valgus: a systematic review
Authors: Füssenich Wout , Seeber Gesine H , Zwoferink Julian R , Somford Matthijs P , Stevens Martin
Published: March 2023

Purpose

A systematic review to determine the effect of different types of joint preparation, joint fixation, and postoperative weight-bearing protocols on non-union frequency in first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) arthrodesis in patients with moderate-to-severe hallux valgus.

Material and methods

A systematic literature search (PubMed and EMBASE), adhering to PRISMA guidelines. Data on MTPJ preparation, fixation, weight-bearing, and non-union in patients with moderate-to-severe hallux valgus were collected. Quality assessment was performed using the Coleman Methodology Score.

Results

Sixteen studies (934 feet) were included, generally of medium quality. Overall non-union rate was 7.7%. At 6.3%, convex/concave joint preparation had the lowest non-union rate vs 12.2% for hand instruments and 22.2% for planar cuts. Non-union of 2.8% was found for joint fixation with a plate combined with a lag screw vs 6.5% for plate fixation, 11.1% for crossed screw fixation, and 12.5% for a plate with a cross plate compression screw. A 5.1% non-union frequency was found following postoperative full weight-bearing on a flat shoe vs 9.3% for full weight-bearing on a heel weight-bearing shoe and 0% for a partial weight-bearing regimen.

Conclusion

Based on medium-quality papers, joint preparation with convex/concave reamers and joint fixation with a plate using a lag screw show the lowest non-union rate. Full postoperative weight-bearing in a stiff-soled postoperative shoe is safe and not associated with non-union vs a more protective load-bearing regimen. Further research should focus on larger sample sizes, longer follow-ups, and stronger study designs.
THE INFLUENCE OF PHYSICAL FITNESS OF GIRLS 11-15 YEARS OLD WITH POSTURAL DISORDERS ON THE FORMATION OF MOVEMENT CULTURE
Authors: Vasylchuk Hryhoriy
Published: March 2023

The article examines the peculiarities of the level of physical fitness of girls aged 11-15 who have postural disorders. A comparative characterization of the indicators of motor readiness of girls with and without postural disorders was also carried out. The influence of motor activity on the formation of correct posture and improvement of physical health was studied. The content of the concept of "posture disorders" was analyzed and it was established that posture is an important comprehensive indicator of the state of health and harmonious physical development of each person. And the correct posture ensures an optimal position and normal activity of internal organs, creating the best conditions for the activity of the entire body. It was determined that the physical fitness indicators of girls with postural disorders are significantly lower than those of their peers without postural disorders. The main reasons that contribute to the development of hypodynamism among schoolchildren, which negatively affects their posture, have been clarified. A reliable difference was established between the level of physical fitness of elementary school students with different posture development. It is emphasized that options for solving this problem are possible due to the intensive use of all means of physical culture. It was concluded that the majority of elementary school students have a sedentary lifestyle, which negatively affects their psycho-emotional and somatic state, and as a result, low and moderate physical fitness is observed. Therefore, this problem requires the search for new ways and methods of prevention and elimination of damaged locomotor apparatus during the child's development, taking into account their physical fitness, mortality, anthropometric, psychological and individual characteristics.

Keywords: physical education, schoolgirls, primary school, posture disorders, physical fitness.
PRE-SCHOOL EDUCATION ESTABLISHMENT AS A SYSTEM INSTITUTION FOR THE FORMATION OF HEALTH CARE COMPETENCES OF A CHILD
Authors: Denisyak Julia
Published: March 2023

The article analyzes and substantiates the essence and role of the preschool education institution as the first systematic educational institution where the process of forming the health-preserving competence of a preschool child takes place. The difficult circumstances in life of the Ukrainian state nowadays (i.e. a long lockdown and a war) proved the importance and necessity of the functioning of kindergartens as the first systematic, methodically grounded and highly capable institution where the formation of a preschool child takes place. In such circumstances, it is necessary to focus attention on the child's development, as one of those factors that make it possible to abstract and relieve oneself in the extremely difficult conditions of wartime, active hostilities, life's uncertainty, fear and hopelessness. We see the development of a preschool child as important in such aspects as: development of the ability to adapt to certain adverse circumstances; to adapt to new living conditions; communicate with new people of different ages; develop creative abilities and form new creative skills; use all available opportunities, means and factors to create an atmosphere of peace, relaxation, rest or creative tension, etc. In the article, we prove that pedagogical facilitation is important for the integral formation of a child's healthpreserving competence in a preschool education establishment. Teaching the future teachers the basics of "happiness pedagogy" and the methods of forming the child's health-preserving competence in a preschool education establishment is a component of their professional competence and suitability. Modern educational programs for training teachers to work with preschool children should contain means and methods for developing these competencies of teachers.

Keywords: health care competence, child, preschool, development, teacher, pedagogical facilitation, preschool education establishment.
THE ROLE OF A FOREIGN LANGUAGE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE HUMANITARIAN CULTURE OF PERSONALITY
Authors: Telichko Victoria
Published: March 2023

The article is devoted to the consideration of the process of learning a foreign language as an effective means of personal social and humanitarian development of students. It is substantiated that the orientation of the Ukrainian education system to enter the world educational space determines the tendency to update foreign language education. It is a question of rethinking the purposes, the maintenance, principles and methods of training of a foreign language for the purpose of achievement of personal results of training which promote development of humanitarian culture of the person. The purpose of the study - based on the study of theory and practice of foreign language education to consider the potential of a foreign language in the development of humanitarian culture of the individual. Within the limits of research theoretical methods are used: a method of the analysis and synthesis, a method of the theoretical analysis of scientific literature on a problem of development of humanitarian culture of the person and foreign language education. Based on the analysis of the scientific literature, the humanities culture is considered as an integral characteristic of a socially mature personality based on the enrichment of its value-semantic, cognitive, communicative, moral-aesthetic, reflective spheres of personality in the process of its social development. It is established that a foreign language performs communicativepragmatic, cognitive, humanistic and personal-formative functions. It contributes to the development of humanitarian culture of the individual in a set of characteristics such as communication, cognitive independence, artistic and aesthetic receptivity, empathy, social subjectivity based on humanistic values that ensure effective communication and positive self-realization in all spheres of activity. It is generalized that humanitarian culture performs a socializing function, is the main element of involvement of the individual in the conditions and norms of existence in society and the most important component of the process of harmonious social development of the individual. Prospects for the study of the problem are related to the creation of educational and methodological complexes in a foreign language on a broad interdisciplinary basis, the development of scientific principles of humanitarian examination of modern educational and methodological complexes in a foreign language for their humanitarian potential.

Keywords: humanitarian culture, foreign language, foreign language education, spheres of personality, socially valuable qualities.
Surface roughness of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and edge-glued panel (EGP) after edge milling
Authors: Sedlecký Miroslav
Published: March 2023

The mean arithmetic deviation of the roughness profile (Ra) was investigated for the edge surface after edge milling of medium-density fiberboard, medium-density fiberboard with single-sided lamination, and spruce edge-glued panel. Tungsten carbide blades with three different compositions and treatment (HW1, HW2, and HW1 + CrTiN coating) were used. During edge milling, the feed rate (4, 8, and 11 m/min) and cutting speed (20, 30, 40, and 60 m/s) were changed. The lowest roughness values were found in spruce timber, and the highest values were found in untreated MDF. The highest edge surface roughness was measured after using the HW2 tool. Slightly lower values were found using HW1 CrTiN, and the lowest values were found using HW1. Increasing the cutting speed led to a very slight increase in roughness. Increasing the feed rate had the same effect, but its effect was more significant. The article provides an understanding of the interaction of the most frequently occurring factors relative to the quality of the work surface of the large-area materials.
BioResources to serve as host for Fundamental Research Symposia archives
Authors: Hubbe Martin A.
Published: March 2023

The Fundamental Research Committee (FRC), founded in 1956 to organize regular symposia among pulp and paper scientists, has been aiming to widen access to their archival published proceedings. The FRC decided that it would be best to make their published work freely available on the web rather than continuing to offer CD versions for sale. They wanted to work together with an entity having experience with open access publishing. The FRC has selected BioResources as that entity, based on our 13-year record of open access service to the same branch of science and technology. BioResources is honored to take on this role and accordingly will henceforth prominently list the “Fundamental Research Symposia Archives” on our web page with links to the FRC content.
Isolation, characterization, and incorporation of microfibrils and microcrystals from Typha domingensis Pers. as impact strength reinforcer of polypropylene matrix composite using stearic acid as interfacial modifier
Authors: Morales-Zamudio Luisiana , López-Marure Arturo , García-Hernández Margarita , Rodríguez-González Francisco , Flores-Gallardo Sergio , López-Martínez Erika
Published: March 2023

Microcellulose has shown advantageous character as a reinforcement in polymeric materials and produces relatively light compounds with high specific properties. This research aimed to obtain microcellulose (crystals and fibers) from the macrophyte Typha domingensis for use as a polypropylene reinforcement material for impact strength improvement and to use stearic acid as an interfacial modifier (surfactant) between the polypropylene and cellulosic materials. A commercial cellulose was used to compare the effectiveness of the microcellulose isolated from the macrophyte. The results demonstrated the procedures were efficient at obtaining microcellulose. The analysis of the chemical composition indicated an increase in the α-cellulose content from 63.2% in the raw material to 97.9% in the bleached cellulose. The X-ray diffraction patterns showed that the chemical treatments changed the crystallinity. The thermogravimetric analysis revealed an increase in the thermal stability of the bleached cellulose compared with that of the raw material. The thermal stability of the macrophyte was higher than that of commercial cellulose. The scanning electron micrographs revealed the presence of longitudinal slits that favored interactions with the polymer matrix. The impact strength was greatly improved for the composites compared with the pure polypropylene.
Geometry-invariant wrinkle detection in sealing rims of paperboard containers
Authors: Müller Tobias , Lenske Alexander , Barbier Christophe , Hauptmann Marek , Majschak Jens-Peter
Published: March 2023

Noticeable improvements were achieved in the method for quality evaluation of formed paperboard containers. The method now allows for in situ evaluation of unavoidable wrinkle structures along the sealing rim of formed containers. An image of the sealing rim was provided. In this image, the contour of the sample was detected. The contour line was then offset to the inside of the sample, so that the new line was on the sealing rim, regardless of the original contour geometry. Along this offset contour line, the wrinkle structure was evaluated by using a previously described cross-correlation-based method. The repeatability and accuracy of the method were validated by comparing the detection results with the results from thorough human examiners. Furthermore, an approach to find the optimum settings for the wrinkle detection program is described and an outlook on implications for industrial adaptation of this method is given.
Production of bioethanol from hybrid cassava pulp and peel using microbial and acid hydrolysis
Authors: Efeovbokhan Vincent E. , Egwari Louis , Alagbe Edith E. , Adeyemi James T. , Taiwo Olugbenga S.
Published: March 2023

Agricultural wastes are potential sources for the commercial production of biofuels because of their availability and low market price. In the present study, the viability of producing bioethanol from three varieties of cassava pulp and peel (CPP) was studied. Acid hydrolysis was performed by dispersing 20% w/v CPP in 100 mL of hydrochloric acid. Biological hydrolysis was performed by inoculating gelatinized CPP paste with Aspergillus niger. A set of un-gelatinized control samples was used to investigate the effect of heat pretreatment on the reducing sugar yield. The hydrolyzed samples were fermented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and the ethanol yield was determined. The reducing sugar yield was 110.7 g/L, 100.4 g/L, and 96.7 g/L from acid hydrolysis of three cassava varieties, while a yield of 98.9 g/L was obtained from cassava peel at 0.7 M and 50 min. The gelatinized pulp from the samples hydrolyzed with A. niger consistently produced more reducing sugar than the control samples. The highest ethanol yields were 54.8% and 33.1% obtained, respectively, from a heat-pretreated variety and cassava peel. Results from the conversion of cassava peel readily bring to light a more useful way of managing cassava wastes in the environment.
Adsorption of Pb(II) ions from aqueous solutions using chemically treated and untreated cow dung ash
Authors: Ojeme Victor Chika , Ayodele Olajide , Oluwasina Olugbenga Oludayo , Okoronkwo Elvis Afamefuna
Published: March 2023

Batch experiments were conducted to evaluate the removal of Pb(II) ions from aqueous solutions using chemically and thermally activated cow dung (CTAC) ash and non-chemically but thermally activated cow dung (NTAC) ash under various experimental conditions. The optimum pH for the adsorption process using CTAC and NTAC was 5, while the optimum times using CTAC and NTAC were 240 and 180 min, respectively. Freundlich, Temkin, and Langmuir isotherm models were used to analyze the generated adsorption data. The Freundlich model had the highest coefficient of determination (R2) values that ranged from 0.989 to 0.999. The values of separation factor (RL) deduced from Langmuir isotherm were between 0 and 1 for both CTAC and NTAC ashes for the whole temperature range, which indicated favourable adsorption. Adsorption of the Pb(II) ions followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model based on the R2 values that approached unity. Thermodynamic analyses revealed that the ΔH° values for CTAC and NTAC ashes were -8.69 and -11.39 kJ/mol, respectively, which indicated that ion adsorption was exothermic. Negative ∆S° values for the two adsorbents showed that the level of entropy was low at the solid/solvent interface during the adsorption process.
Chemical composition and thermal properties of tropical wood from the Yucatán dry forests
Authors: Rodríguez-Jiménez Sergio , Duarte-Aranda Santiago , Canché-Escamilla Gonzalo
Published: March 2023

Six different species of dry forest trees were collected, and their chemical compositions and thermal properties were determined. Three of the six species (Senegalia gaumeri, Havardia albicans, and Lysiloma latisiliquum) were chosen due to their high preference as firewood in local communities, while the remaining three species (Croton glabellus, Lonchocarpus yucatanensis, and Neomillspaughia emarginata) were chosen because of their abundance at the sampling site. The chemical compositions were consistent with the composition of tropical woods reported in previous literature, with an ash content of 4.8% to 6.8% and total extractible content in the range of 15.4% to 28.5%. The lignin content was in the range of 17.6% to 24.0%, while the range of holocellulose was 53.9% to 63.0%. The calculation of the calorific values was performed using the elemental analyses, and values ranging between 16.2 and 18.5 MJ/kg were obtained. The fuel value index (FVI) values for the samples indicated that S. gaumeri and L. yucatanensis were the best species for fuelwood given their high densities and relatively high calorific values. The kinetics of pyrolysis showed a higher level of reactivity for H. albicans and L. yucatanensis compared to the other species studied.
A feasibility study for a new one-day protocol for [99mTc]TcDTPA2- and [99mTc]TcDMSA2- renal scintigraphy on dilated and non-dilated pediatric patients: underlying rationale
Authors: Trevisan Fabiana , Nascimento Beatriz , Chibana Gabriel , Maeda Luciana , Vila Marta , Yoshida Valquiria , Aranha Norberto , Balcão Victor M. , Oliveira Júnior José Martins
Published: March 2023

Purpose. This work aimed at evaluating the possibility of performing renal exams of dynamic renal (DRS) and static renal (SRS) scintigraphy on the same day (one-day protocol, ODP), exams that are currently performed in two days. Approach. 25 infants (50 kidneys) of both genders, aged 8.4 ± 5.9 years, underwent an F+20 DRS protocol with [99mTc]TcDTPA2- followed by [99mTc]TcDMSA2- administration for the performance of SRS images at 3, 6 and 24 h. Dynamic images (DRS) were classified as dilated (D), undetermined (U), and non-dilated (P). Static images (SRS) were classified as: depressed in accented degree (DA); depressed in moderate degree (DM); depressed in mild degree (DL) and normal (NL). Results. Out of the 25 patients (50 kidneys), 7 (14 kidneys) were excluded by functional exclusion, hence 18 patients (36 kidneys) were clinically compared regarding their static images after 3, 6 and 24 h, resulting in 33.0% of dilated and 66.7% non-dilated. Only two patients of the dilated group were classified as obstructed. At the group with non-dilated and dilated but non-obstructed kidneys, 100% of them had the same clinical classification at 6 and 24 h images. Conclusions. Performance of both DRS and SRS exams in a single day for pediatric patients, when medical requests are carried out jointly, is feasible in a population with or without dilatation, when the difference between dynamic and static images is of at least 6 h. Due to the small number of obstructed kidneys in this study, further evaluation in this population is needed.
Outcomes of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in the United Arab Emirates: Real-world, Single-centre Experience from an Emerging Programme
Authors: Edris Ahmad , Manla Yosef , Al Badarin Firas , Hasan Khwaja , Hashmani Shahrukh , Traina Mahmoud , Khiati Dhiaedin , Khalouf Amani , El Zouhbi Anas , Murat Tuczu Emin
Published: March 2023

Background: Data on outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in the Middle East, particularly in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), are limited. Whether centres with a low volume of patients requiring the procedure can achieve similar outcomes as those reported in pivotal clinical trials remains unclear. This study evaluates procedural outcomes of patients undergoing TAVR in a newly established programme in the UAE. Methods: Procedural outcomes of consecutive patients who underwent transfemoral TAVR at a single centre in the UAE between January 2016 and November 2021 were compared with those at centres in the lowest quartile (Q1) of procedural volume in the Transcatheter Valve Therapy Registry, which covers centres in the US. Results: Among the 183 patients included in the study, the median age was 76 years (interquartile range [IQR] 71–82), and 42.1% of patients were women, with a median Society of Thoracic Surgeons predicted risk of mortality score of 4.6 (IQR 2.9–7.5). Most of the patients (93.3%) received a balloon expandable valve. All-cause death within 30 days, stroke and major vascular complications occurred in 0.6%, 0.6% and 2.2% of patients, respectively, compared with 3.1%, 2.2% and 4% in patients treated at Q1 hospitals. Conclusion: Patients undergoing transfemoral TAVR at an emerging centre in the Middle East had favourable outcomes compared with those performed at Q1 hospitals in the US. These findings suggest that careful patient selection for TAVR is critical and may help optimise patient outcomes, especially when procedural volumes are low.
La relación género y ambiente y sus aportes al campo de los estudios de la memoria
Authors: Montoya-Domínguez Estefania , Rojas-Robles María del Rosario
Published: March 2023

Las referencias a la memoria y la memoria histórica abundan en la literatura reciente de las ciencias sociales. Estos términos aluden a un campo de estudios desarrollado en las últimas cuatro décadas centrado en producir versions heterogéneas del pasado, que procuran privilegiar los puntos de vista de actores subalternos o de víctimas de conflictos sociales y armados. En su esfuerzo por visibilizar la experiencia histórica de subjetividades contemporáneas, lo ambiental se ha convertido en un tema de interés. Por tanto, la reflexión que aquí se presenta recopila elementos que pueden integrar los estudios de la memoria para ocuparse de la interacción entre las colectividades humanas y los ecosistemas que las sustentan, a partir de la consideración del ambiente desde una perspectiva de género. Esta deliberación también surge de una experiencia en campo en la que se analizó el conflicto ambiental por extracción de hidrocarburos en la región del Lipa, Arauca, Colombia, donde se encontró que la historia oral y los testimonios fueron las principales fuentes de información sobre la transformación de los ecosistemas locales y los medios de vida de las personas. Por lo tanto, este caso ilustra cuál podría ser la situación de otros territorios de países periféricos donde prevalecen prácticas extractivistas.
Vibración ambiental registrada en una edificación religiosa del siglo XVIII para determinar sus características dinámicas
Authors: Máximo-Romero Patricia , Ramos-Aguilar Rogelio , Galindo-López Víctor , Ávila-Cruz Máximo , Yáñez-Pérez Gabriela , Romano-Cano Dulce María
Published: March 2023

Este trabajo presenta el caso de la instrumentación sísmica del templo de Nuestra Señora del Refugio, construido en el siglo XVIII, ubicado en la ciudad de Puebla, México. El templo fue dañado por los sismos de 1864, 1973 y 1999, por lo que ha sido intervenido estructuralmente. Después del sismo de 1999, se registró una vibración ambiental y con un software especializado se procesaron los registros de aceleración para calcular los espectros de Fourier y la Función de Transferencia. A través de los cocientes espectrales en las direcciones horizontales y horizontal sobre vertical, se determinaron las frecuencias y periodos de vibración de algunos elementos estructurales. Posteriormente, se propuso un rango de periodos de vibración estimados en templos coloniales, con los cuales se observó que el porcentaje de periodos de toda la estructura aplicando la técnica Piso/Campo libre que están dentro de ese rango. El cual es mayor para la componente transversal X (flexible), que el porcentaje para la componente longitudinal Y (rígida).
Los archivos corresponden a los que utilizó otro investigador en su tesis doctoral, en la que no se muestra el procedimiento del tratamiento de la señal y modeló el templo con elementos finitos para determinar sus modos de vibración. Los periodos de vibración obtenidos con ambas metodologías fueron muy cercanos. El método de elementos finitos, requiere datos de materiales, geometría, dimensiones, etc. La vibración ambiental sólo registra el movimiento interno de la estructura; por lo tanto, es adecuada para monitorear el comportamiento sísmico de templos.
Motivations underlying healthy dietary adoption intentions: Evidence from university students in the Czech Republic
Authors: Ratilla Mark , Karolyova Denisa , Haider Ismat , Dohnalová Zuzana
Published: March 2023

Encouraging people to adopt a healthy diet is believed to reduce the prevalence of obesity. However, a deeper understanding of consumers' psychology regarding healthy dieting is required for this intervention to be effective. To date, knowledge remains limited on the motivations preceding healthy dietary adoption among adult consumers in the Czech Republic, which is undoubtedly facing a high prevalence of obesity among other EU member states. Most importantly, few studies have modeled the food choice motives as primary antecedents of healthy dietary adoption intentions. Therefore, the current study proposes and tests a research model that explains the motivational factors for adopting healthy diets. Data were collected through an online survey involving 161 university students and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) procedures. The results reveal that food choice motives explain healthy dietary adoption intentions satisfactorily. Notably, the natural content and weight control motives positively and significantly affect healthy dietary adoption intentions. The study offers relevant contributions to the science of consumer motivation regarding healthy dieting and practical means to health promotion.
Rainfall duration and parameter sensitivity on flash-flood at a steep watershed
Authors: Ámon Gergely , Bene Katalin
Published: March 2023

The common feature of streams in steep sloping watersheds is that there is a significant change from base-flow to flash-flood; sometimes two or three orders of magnitude. In Hungary, these streams are usually ungauged, with lack of available data, and models. The watershed features both urban and natural land use conditions, but the main area is quite homogenic.

This paper evaluates the impact of different model parameterizations, and rainfall duration on flash-flood events in the Morgó-creek watershed. The goal is to find the main parameters that can represent the uncertainty of a flash-flood sensitive area, and how the calibrated and determined parameters take effect on a model if these values are shifted on given intervals.
Obligatory contributions made by employers to the State Fund for the Rehabilitation of Disabled People as financial and legal incentives
Authors:   Institute of Legal Sciences University of Rzeszów, Majka Paweł , Rydzewska Małgorzata ,   Faculty of Law and Administration Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin
Published: March 2023

The paper analyzed legal regulations concerning obligatory payments made by employers to the State Fund for the Rehabilitation of Disabled Persons which serve the purposes related to the rehabilitation of disabled people. These goals are pursued in various ways. In the first place, the obligation to pay is to motivate employers to employ as many disabled people as possible. The implementation of the goals related to the rehabilitation of disabled persons is also to be achieved by introducing the obligation to make payments in a situation where the employer commits behavior that is negatively assessed from the point of view of the statute. In connection with the obligatory contributions, there is a doubt about their legal nature, including the legitimacy of treating them as an element of the financial and legal incentives system. The authors stated that by introducing new legislative solutions in the field of supporting the employment of disabled people, the legislator does not maintain the coherence of legal solutions.
Emergency Department Visits With Suicidal Ideation: United States, 2016–2020
Authors: Alexander Strashny , Christopher Christopher Cairns , Ashman J. Jill
Published: March 2023

This report uses data from the 2016–2020 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey to present the annual average emergency department visit rate per 10,000 people for patients with suicidal ideation.
Suicide Mortality in the United States, 2001–2021
Authors: Garnett F. Matthew , Curtin C. Sally
Published: March 2023

This report presents final suicide rates from 2001 through 2021 by sex and age as well as rates by race and Hispanic origin for 2020 and 2021.