bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomass removal promotes plant diversity after short-term de-intensification of managed grasslands
Authors: Andraczek Karl , Weigelt Alexandra , Hinderling Judith , Kretz Lena , Prati Daniel , van der Plas Fons
Published: June 2023

Land-use intensification is one of the main drivers threatening biodiversity in managed grasslands. Despite multiple studies investigating the effect of different land-use components in driving changes in plant biodiversity, their effects are usually studied in isolation. Here, we establish a full factorial design crossing fertilization with a combined treatment of biomass removal, on 16 managed grasslands spanning a gradient in land-use intensity, across three regions in Germany. Specifically, we investigate the interactive effects of different land-use components on plant composition and diversity using structural equation modelling. We hypothesize that fertilization and biomass removal alter plant biodiversity, directly and indirectly, mediated through changes in light availability. We found that, direct and indirect effects of biomass removal on plant biodiversity were larger than effects of fertilization, yet significantly differed between season. Furthermore, we found that indirect effects of biomass removal on plant biodiversity were mediated through changes in light availability, but also by changes in soil moisture. Our analysis thus supports previous findings, that soil moisture may operate as an alternative indirect mechanism by which biomass removal may affect plant biodiversity. Most importantly, our findings highlight that in the short-term biomass removal can partly compensate the negative effects of fertilization on plant biodiversity in managed grasslands. By studying the interactive nature of different land-use drivers we advance our understanding of the complex mechanisms controlling plant biodiversity in managed grasslands, which ultimately may help to maintain higher levels of biodiversity in grassland ecosystems.
Barriers and facilitators associated with the use of mental health services among immigrant students in high-income countries: A systematic scoping review
Authors: Dombou Christelle , Omonaiye Olumuyiwa , Fraser Sarah , Cénat Jude Mary , Fournier Karine , Yaya Sanni
Published: June 2023

Background

Immigrant students face various challenges in high-income countries that can contribute to the decline of their mental well-being upon arrival in their host country. Despite the growing population of these students in several high-income countries, there is inadequate attention given to their mental health needs and their access to mental health services. Thus, this systematic scoping review aimed to identify gaps in existing research relating to the barriers and facilitators associated with access to and use of mental health services in high-income countries.

Methods

Following the PRISMA-ScR checklist as guidance we systematically searched Ovid Medline, APA PsycInfo, Education Source, CINAHL, Web of Science databases for peer reviewed articles related to barriers and facilitators of mental health service use among immigrant students. We conducted a narrative evidence synthesis to highlight barriers and facilitators to the use of mental health services.

Results

Out of the 2407 articles initially found, 47 studies met the inclusion criteria and were considered for this review. The increasing attention towards the mental health concerns of immigrant students and their access to mental health services is evident. However, various barriers like stigma, insufficient knowledge, or adherence to traditional gender roles (such as masculinity) hinder their utilization of these services. On the other hand, factors such as being a woman, having a strong sense of cultural adaptation, or possessing adequate mental health literacy serve as facilitators for accessing mental health services.

Conclusion

These students have unique experiences, and their needs are often unmet. To improve their mental health and use of mental health services, it is important to consider the barriers they face and their unique experience in their specific life context and to develop tailored prevention and intervention programs.
How does the integration of cultural and tourism industries impact the value added to tourism value chain: Evidences from Jiangsu Province of China
Authors: Zeng Meiling , Shen Suyan , Gu Jie
Published: June 2023

China has been fully implementing the policy of the cultural and tourism industrial integration since 2018. However, the value-added benefits of this policy are not prominent, and the relationship between industrial integration and the value added to the tourism value chain was seldom addressed by researchers. In the context of China’s high-quality development, it is necessary to conduct the impact of the integration of cultural and tourism industries on the value added to tourism value chain. This paper proposed four theoretical hypotheses and the corresponding econometric models based on the panel data from 2013 to 2020 in China’s Jiangsu Province. According to empirical results, the integration of cultural and tourism industries is spatially unbalanced, with notable imbalances between the south and the north. This paper identified a new connection between cultural and tourism integration and the tourism value chain. It is found that the integration of cultural and tourism industries can enhance the value added to tourism value chain either directly or indirectly through the information technology, with the direct effect being positively moderated by tourism agglomeration. Moreover, this paper may overturn how people generally think about the integration between cultural and tourism industries. It reveals a single-threshold effect that only when the integration of cultural and tourism industries reached a high level will it exert a positive effect. To be more specific, not all Chinese cities are suitable for implementing cultural and tourism integration, because the integration is likely to be ineffective in regions where the cultural industry is substantially less developed than the tourism industry.
Genetic variants of MUC4 are associated with susceptibility to and mortality of colorectal cancer and exhibit synergistic effects with LDL-C levels
Authors: Kwon Min Jung , Lee Jeong Yong , Kim Eo Jin , Ko Eun Ju , Ryu Chang Soo , Cho Hye Jung , Jun Hak Hoon , Kim Jong Woo , Kim Nam Keun
Published: June 2023

As a disease with high mortality and prevalence rates worldwide, colorectal cancer (CRC) has been thoroughly investigated. Mucins are involved in the induction of CRC and the regulation of intestinal homeostasis but a member of the mucin gene family MUC4 has a controversial role in CRC. MUC4 has been associated with either decreased susceptibility to or a worse prognosis of CRC. In our study, the multifunctional aspects of MUC4 were elucidated by genetic polymorphism analysis in a case-control study of 420 controls and 464 CRC patients. MUC4 rs1104760 A>G polymorphism had a protective effect on CRC risk (AG, AOR = 0.537; GG, AOR = 0.297; dominant model, AOR = 0.493; recessive model, AOR = 0.382) and MUC4 rs2688513 A>G was associated with an increased mortality rate of CRC (5 years, GG, adjusted HR = 6.496; recessive model, adjusted HR = 5.848). In addition, MUC4 rs1104760 A>G showed a high probability of being a potential biomarker for CRC patients with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the risk range while showing a significant synergistic effect with the LDL-C level. This is the first study to indicate a significant association between MUC4 genetic polymorphisms and CRC prevalence, suggesting a functional genetic variant with the LDL-C level, for CRC prevention.
Incidence and treatment trends of infectious spondylodiscitis in South Korea: A nationwide population-based study
Authors: Son Hee Jung , Kim Myongwhan , Kim Dong Hong , Kang Chang-Nam
Published: June 2023

The incidence of infectious spondylodiscitis (IS) has increased in recent years due to an increase in the numbers of older patients with chronic diseases, as well as patients with immunocompromise, steroid use, drug abuse, invasive spinal procedures, and spinal surgeries. However, research focusing on IS in the general population is lacking. This study investigated the incidence and treatment trends of IS in South Korea using data obtained from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. A total of 169,244 patients (mean age: 58.0 years) diagnosed from 2010 to 2019 were included in the study. A total of 10,991 cases were reported in 2010 and 18,533 cases in 2019. Hence, there was a 1.5-fold increase in incidence rate per 100,000 people from 22.90 in 2010 to 35.79 in 2019 (P < 0.05). The incidence rate of pyogenic spondylodiscitis per 100,000 people increased from 15.35 in 2010 to 33.75 in 2019, and that of tuberculous spondylodiscitis decreased from 7.55 in 2010 to 2.04 in 2019 (P < 0.05, respectively). Elderly individuals ≥ 60 years of age accounted for 47.6% (80,578 patients) of all cases of IS. The proportion of patients who received conservative treatment increased from 82.4% in 2010 to 85.8% in 2019, while that of patients receiving surgical treatment decreased from 17.6% to 14.2% (P < 0.05, respectively). Among surgical treatments, the proportions of corpectomy and anterior fusion declined, while proportion of incision and drainage increased (P < 0.05, respectively). The total healthcare costs increased 2.9-fold from $29,821,391.65 in 2010 to $86,815,775.81 in 2019 with a significant increase in the ratio to gross domestic product. Hence, this population-based cohort study demonstrated that the incidence rate of IS has increased in South Korea. The conservative treatment has increased, while the surgical treatment has decreased. The socioeconomic burden of IS has increased rapidly.
Complete genome sequencing and characterization of a potential new genotype of Citrus tristeza virus in Iran
Authors: Ghorbani Abozar , Faghihi Mohammad Mehdi , Falaki Faezeh , Izadpanah Keramatollah
Published: June 2023

Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) is one of the economically destructive viruses affecting citrus trees worldwide, causing significant losses in fruit production. Comparative genomic studies have shown genetic diversity in various regions of the genome of CTV isolates, which has classified the virus into several genotypes. In recent years, some orange citrumelo-tolerant rootstocks showed yellowing, decline, and vein clearing in northern Iran (Mazandaran province, Sari). We confirmed the presence of CTV in the symptomatic trees by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR). The complete genome of a Sari isolate of CTV (Sari isolate) was sequenced using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. In addition, phylogenetic analysis, differential gene expression of the virus and identification of its variants in a population were studied. We obtained the final contigs of the virus (nt) and annotated all genomes to viral ORFs, untranslated regions (UTRs), intergenic regions, and 5’ and 3’ ends of the genome. Phylogenetic analysis of the Sari isolate and other genotypes of CTV showed that the Sari isolates were placed in a distinct cluster without a sister group. Based on the number of specific transcripts (TPM) in CTV RNA -Seq, P13 was the most highly expressed gene related to the host range of the virus and its systemic infection. The ORFs of the polyprotein, P33, and P18 showed variation in a single population of the sari isolate. The CTV has a potential for variation in a population in a host, and these variations may contribute to the best fit of the CTV in different situations. In Iran, whole genome sequencing of the CTV was performed for the first time, and we gained new insights into CTV variation in a population.
Fractal dimension analysis of different mandibular regions in familial Mediterranean fever patients: A cross-sectional retrospective study
Authors: Ersan Nilüfer , Özel Beliz
Published: June 2023

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a genetic condition that may cause loss of bone mineral density (BMD) due to chronic inflammation. Previously, fractal dimension (FD) analysis values of mandibular cortical bone were shown to be lower in osteoporosis. Therefore, FD might be considered as an auxiliary tool to refer patients for dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), which is the gold standard for BMD measurement. The purpose of this cross-sectional retrospective study was to evaluate trabecular and cortical microarchitecture of the mandible with FD analysis on panoramic radiographs in a subpopulation of FMF. Also, the effect of colchicine use was investigated. Forty-three FMF patients, aged between 10.8 and 71.2 years, and age- and gender-matched control group consisting of patients, who had no systemic diseases, were included. Demographic information such as age and gender, and colchicine use were recorded. In terms of age, the patients were classified as <30 and 30< years. On each panoramic radiographs five regions of interest were selected on the mandible as: 1- premolar, 2- molar, 3- angular, 4- condylar, and 5- basal cortical bone regions on right (R) and left (L) sides. Statistical significance was accepted at p<0.05 level. Intra- and inter-observer agreements demonstrated good to excellent consistency. In FMF patients, L3 and L4 values were higher, whereas L5 values were lower (p<0.05) than the control group. In terms of age, the difference between groups was insignificant in FMF patients (p>0.05), whereas in control group R3 and L4 values were higher in the 30< age group (p<0.05). Regarding gender and colchicine use, the difference between groups was insignificant (p>0.05). FMF disease might be a candidate for referral to DXA examination based on decreased bone density in the mandibular cortex detected by FD measurements on routine panoramic radiographs. Further studies are warranted to ascertain this relationship.
Early Experience With Uniplanar Versus Biplanar Expandable Interbody Fusion Devices in Single-Level Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Authors: Ledesma Jonathan A. , Ottaway Jesse C. , Lambrechts Mark J. , Dees Azra , Thomas Terence L. , Kurd Mark F. , Radcliff Kris E. , Anderson David G.
Published: June 2023

Objective: To compare the early radiographic and clinical outcomes of expandable uniplanar versus biplanar interbody cages used for single-level minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF).Methods: A retrospective review of 1-level MIS-TLIFs performed with uniplanar and biplanar polyetheretherketone cages was performed. Radiographic measurements were performed on radiographs taken preoperatively, at 6-week follow-up, and 1-year follow-up. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) for back and leg at 3-month and 1-year follow-up.Results: A total of 93 patients (41 uniplanar, 52 biplanar) were included. Both cage types provided significant postoperative improvements in anterior disc height, posterior disc height, and segmental lordosis at 1 year. No significant differences in cage subsidence rates were found between uniplanar (21.9%) and biplanar devices (32.7%) at 6 weeks (odds ratio, 2.015; 95% confidence interval, 0.651–6.235; p = 0.249) with no additional instances of subsidence at 1 year. No significant differences in the magnitude of improvements based on ODI, VAS back, or VAS leg at 3-month or 1-year follow-up between groups and the proportion of patients achieving the minimal clinically important difference in ODI, VAS back, or VAS leg at 1 year were not statistically significantly different (p > 0.05). Finally, there were no significant differences in complication rates (p = 0.283), 90-day readmission rates (p = 1.00), revision surgical procedures (p = 0.423), or fusion rates at 1 year (p = 0.457) between groups.Conclusion: Biplanar and uniplanar expandable cages offer a safe and effective means of improving anterior disc height, posterior disc height, segmental lordosis, and patient-reported outcome measures at 1 year postoperatively. No significant differences in radiographic outcomes, subsidence rates, mean subsidence distance, 1-year patient-reported outcomes, and postoperative complications were noted between groups.
Complication Rates and Utilization Trends of 3-Level Posterior Column Osteotomy Compared to Single-Level Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy
Authors: Mills Emily S. , Mertz Kevin , Faye Ethan , Bell Jennifer A. , Ton Andy T. , Wang Jeffrey C. , Alluri Ram K. , Hah Raymond J.
Published: June 2023

Objective: The objective of this study is to assess differences in complication profiles between 3-level posterior column osteotomy (PCO) and single-level pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) as both are reported to provide similar degrees of sagittal correction.Methods: The PearlDiver database was queried retrospectively using International Classification of Disease, 9th and 10th edition and Current Procedural Terminology codes to identify patients who underwent PCO or PSO for degenerative spine disease. Patients under age 18 or with history of spinal malignancy, infection, or trauma were excluded. Patients were separated into 2 cohorts, 3-level PCO or single-level PSO, matched at a 1:1 ratio based on age, sex, Elixhauser comorbidity index, and number of fused posterior segments. Thirtyday systemic and procedure-related complications were compared.Results: Matching resulted in 631 patients for each cohort. PCO patients had decreased odds of respiratory (odds ratio [OR], 0.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.43–0.82; p = 0.001) and renal complications (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.40–0.88; p = 0.009) compared to PSO patients. There was no significant difference in cardiac complications, sepsis, pressure ulcer, dural tear, delirium, neurologic injuries, postoperative hematoma, postoperative anemia, or overall complications.Conclusion: Patients who undergo 3-level PCO have decreased respiratory and renal complications compared to single-level PSO. No differences were found in the other complications studied. Considering both procedures achieve similar sagittal correction, surgeons should be aware that 3-level PCO offers an improved safety profile compared to single-level PSO.
Kimura’s Disease in a Young Boy - A Rare Cause of Lymphadenopathy
Authors: Kumaran Chinnappa  , Saumya Gaur
Published: June 2023

A 2 year old boy presented with swelling in the right side of the neck (upper cervical lymph node) since 6 months measuring 3 x 4 cm. The swelling was small in size initially (0.5 x 1cm) and gradually progressed to the present size. It was not associated with pain, fever, cough or loss of weight. Also no associated systemic symptoms. No other lymphadenopathy and organomegaly noted.
Misplaced Pterygoid Implant removed following Surgical Exploration
Authors: Surya Rao Rao Venkata Mahipathy  , James Solomon Jesudasan  , Ajay Chandrasekar V.S.  , Alagar Raja Durairaj  , Manoj Ananthappan
Published: June 2023

A 62-year-old male patient had reported to our department with a history of pterygoid implant placement in the right maxillary region. The referring dentist had updated us about the possibility of a misplaced implant. The patient was anxious but showed no clinical signs of discomfort or pain. A CT scan with contrast was done to check for the location of the implant and also visualize the proximity to any vital structures. The CT study revealed an implant seen in the right parapharyngeal space closely abutting the internal carotid artery. The screw of the implant was sharp and since it was closely abutting the internal carotid artery it warranted removal at the earliest. An endoscopic approach was discussed with the ENT surgeons but due to the size of the implant and limited access through the antrum we had to look for an alternative method. The technique of performing an access osteotomy of the maxilla would give better visualization and access to the implant but would require the maxilla to be plated and the patient who was 62 years old was not too keen on the thought of this procedure. Finally, an extraoral submandibular approach was finalized and used. Under general anaesthesia, a submandibular incision was marked and dissection was done, the carotid was first identified and taken control off in case we encountered any bleeding or injury to the internal maxillary artery while removing the implant. Dissection continued towards the mandible and the masseter was split to give access to the pterygoid region. An intraoperative C- arm showed that the implant was in close vicinity. The implant was removed intraorally via the buccal vestibule and the wound sites were closed without any complications.
Classifying Building Roof Damage Using High Resolution Imagery for Disaster Recovery
Authors: Gonsoroski Elaina , Ahn Yoonjung , Harville Emily W. , Countess Nathaniel , Lichtveld Maureen Y. , Pan Ke , Beitsch Leslie , Sherchan Samendra P. , Uejio Christopher K.
Published: June 2023

Post-hurricane damage assessments are often costly and time-consuming. Remotely sensed data provides a complementary method of data collection that can be completed comparatively quickly and at relatively low cost. This study focuses on 15 Florida counties impacted by Hurricane Michael
(2018), which had category 5 strength winds at landfall. The present study evaluates the ability of aerial imagery collected to cost-effectively measure blue tarps on buildings for disaster impact and recovery. A support vector machine model classified blue tarp, and parcels received a damage
indicator based on the model's prediction. The model had an overall accuracy of 85.3% with a sensitivity of 74% and a specificity of 96.7%. The model results indicated approximately 7% of all parcels (27 926 residential and 4431 commercial parcels) in the study area as having blue tarp present.
The study results may benefit jurisdictions that lacked financial resources to conduct on-the-ground damage assessments.
Empreendedorismo Social e Educação Física: a construção do aplicativo DataProEF para professores de Educação Física
Authors: Pinhal Vinícius Pinhal Alves , Araújo Marcelo Marques
Published: June 2023

Este artigo discorre sobre o processo de construção de um aplicativo, que tem como objetivo oferecer aos professores de Educação Física uma plataforma pela qual possam cadastrar e gerenciar informações relativas às suas turmas e alunos. Dentre as informações que podem ser cadastradas pelos professores, destacam-se o perfil antropométrico, eventos de observação (scouting), habilidades e deficiências. Os parâmetros para seleção e implementação das funcionalidades do aplicativo foram coletados em documentos construídos pelos autores, primordialmente, na aplicação de um questionário. Espera-se que a inserção deste produto no ambiente educacional possa propiciar uma melhoria no nível de formação dos alunos e das aulas de Educação Física, assim como possibilitar a descoberta de novos talentos esportivos.
Improving Storytelling Ability Using Implications of The Read-Aloud Method in Early Childhood
Authors: Aini Nur , Hartati Meri , Azhari Ichsan Maulana
Published: June 2023

Basically, a school for early childhood takes work. Many factors influence this, including the shy factor that makes you afraid to speak or tell stories. If the problem is not resolved immediately, it will be difficult for the child to express his feelings. The Read-Aloud method trains children to be able to retell the contents of fairy tales and stories to increase children's vocabulary. Packaging the Read Aloud method uses the media of illustrated children's story books and fairy tale books that can make young children interested in following them. In this study, the authors used a qualitative descriptive method. Data collection techniques used are observation, interviews, and documentation. The results of this study indicate that the implications of the Read Aloud method can stimulate early childhood development by increasing vocabulary so children's language skills can develop properly. Obstacles in this study were limited by changes in the behavior of research subjects which made researchers increase research time.
The Message of Religious Moderation in the Banda Aceh City Murals
Authors: Heri Rahmatsyah Putra
Published: June 2023

This study aims to determine the relevance of the mural with the message of religious moderation and the public's perception of the message of religious moderation in the mural as a visual communication medium. The object of this research is a mural in the Peunayong area, Banda Aceh, as a visual communication medium that functions as a medium to convey messages of religious moderation. This research uses a descriptive qualitative approach. Researchers obtained data through primary and secondary sources using observation, interviews, and documentation techniques. The results of the study show the relevance of the murals in Peunayong to the values of religious moderation based on an analysis of visual communication semiotic theory. This study also found that the public's perception of murals as a visual communication medium in conveying moderation in religion was inappropriate based on the mural's position, which needed to be more strategic to get the public's attention.
Can Animals Contract?
Authors: Enman-Beech John
Published: June 2023

Animals are, or are like persons, and so should not be treated as mere property. But persons are not just non-property; they are contractors. They interact with property and with other persons. This article analyses the possibilities for a range of animals to fit within market liberal society as contractors from a legal disciplinary perspective. Some animals are capable of contract-like relationships of reciprocal exchange, and can consent, in a certain sense, to parts of such relationships. However, the dangers of the contractual frame, which is used to legitimate exploitation, may exceed the benefits. Some scholars have begun to explore these issues through the lens of animal labour, animals as workers deserving protections and benefits for their efforts. I analyse the application of contract to a variety of non-human animals and consider the discursive implications of this application, then draw out lessons for the ongoing use of animal labour framing. If we are to think through animals as workers, we should be careful to oppose the contractualization of that work – just as human worker advocates do.
The Frequency and Precipitating Factors for Breakthrough Seizures in Children with Epilepsy
Authors: Aldosari Abdullah Nasser , Alghamdi Ahmed , Alharthi Ayidh , Albuhayri Abdullah , Ghurab Suhaib , Alghamdi Mohammed , Aldosari Mufleh
Published: June 2023

Background and Purpose: To determine the common precipitating factors for breakthrough seizures in children with epilepsy.Methods: This retrospective study reviewed the charts of children with epilepsy who were followed up in the pediatric neurology clinic of King Fahad Hospital in Al-Baha region, Saudi Arabia, between January 2015 and August 2022. Children between 1 to 14 years of age who had epilepsy, as per the International League Against Epilepsy definition and received anti-seizure medication with a seizure-free period of at least 2 months before breakthrough seizure episode, were included in the study.Results: Of the 108 children included in the study, the mean age was 6.8±1.6 years, and among them (55.5%) were male. Most parents (69.5%) were unaware of the triggering factors of seizure. The majority of patients (88%) reported at least one precipitating factor for breakthrough seizures and the most common one was systemic infection associated with fever (52.8%), and then non-compliance to medications in (34.3%) of the patients. In terms of the electroencephalogram, around 84 patients (77.8%) had abnormal electroencephalogram. Finally, monotherapy was maintained in 63.9% of patients.Conclusions: We conclude that the most common trigger for breakthrough seizure is a systemic infection associated with fever and non-compliance to anti-seizure medications. Increasing the level of awareness by different methods may help limit or even prevent seizures from occurring. Randomized controlled trials could shed light on the adjustment of anti-seizure medications temporarily by increasing the dosage or giving extra doses during the infection to avoid breakthrough seizures.
Vehicle wheel positioning innovation on a machine for measuring the contact parameters between a tyre and the road
Authors: Jilek Petr
Published: June 2023

This article deals with the development and proposal to increase the application of equipment for measuring the adhesion force between the road and the road vehicle. The device enabling the adhesion force measurement of a rotating vehicle wheel is called a dynamic adhesor. The actual position of the vehicle wheel relative to the road-simulating cylinder is, in the present embodiment of the dynamic adhesor, by means of a bolted clamping joint and stops. This embodiment has limiting applications. the test must be aborted, if the position of the vehicle wheel relative to the rotating cylinder changes. Therefore, the adhesor has been upgraded. The upgrade consists of adding a hydraulic control to allow repositioning of the vehicle wheel online without interrupting the experiment, from a workstation outside the rotating parts area. Input load values were determined from the adherent desired operating parameters and from the load simulation in the MSC Adams software. Hydraulic cylinders were designed in accordance with the results of the maximum operating loads and installation space. The current construction was adapted and supplemented with new parts for the use of these hydraulic cylinders. The article only deals with the area of new key elements. The equipment's use has been expanded by improving the dynamic adhesor, for example, with the possibility of simulating the vehicle wheel's driving behaviour when the vehicle is propped up, and in this way, the equipment can also be used for any required research in regard to noise emitted from the tyre's road contact. As a result of innovation, the use of the unique tyre-testing equipment has been expanded, increasing the safety and environmental friendliness of road vehicles.
Performance investigation of hybrid photovoltaic thermal-heat with mini-channels for application in electric vehicles
Authors: Dariusz Strąk
Published: June 2023

The first autonomous car was developed in the 1980s, but it wasn't until the early 2010s that the technology began to gain significant attention and investment. In 2010, Google began testing self-driving cars on public roads, and since then, many other companies have joined the race to develop fully autonomous vehicles. Hybrid PVT (Photovoltaic Thermal) heat exchangers cooled with mini-channels find application in autonomous vehicles as a solution that enables efficient cooling of the vehicle's electronics and batteries. The solution involves using photovoltaic panels to generate electricity and removing the heat produced during the process using mini-channels is removed by mini-channels. Hybrid PVT heat exchangers cooled with mini-channels can help maintain appropriate temperatures inside autonomous vehicles that generate large amounts of heat from electronic systems and sensors. The setup can improve the performance and reliability of autonomous systems, increase energy efficiency, and reduce energy demands. The experimental setup includes two parallel mini-channel systems separated by a smooth copper plate. The study aims to determine local heat-transfer coefficients, with a cooled solar cell efficiency range of 10% to 14% compared to other research. The cooled PV temperature range achieved was from 19.6 to 22.4 degrees Celsius, which is favorable for photovoltaic panels' operation under approximate light intensity for Poland's latitude. Heat-transfer from hot surfaces to cold fluids is analyzed during single-phase convection using two calculation methods: one-dimensional and numerical simulations using Simcenter STAR CCM+. Cooling photovoltaic modules is critical for the photovoltaic and autonomous vehicle systems sector, making this research significant both theoretically and practically. The research and methods presented in the article on mini-channel cooling of photovoltaic systems and autonomous vehicle systems are innovative at a global scale, and are crucial for further development of sustainable energy systems and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Acceptance of Covid-19 Vaccination: Perspectives of an Urban Community in Ghana
Authors: Anane Akosua Asantewaa , Odum-Sackey Bismark , Dedzo Yvonne
Published: June 2023

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, research on the adoption and spread of the COVID-19 vaccination has been conducted all over the world. However, studies on the spread of the COVID-19 vaccine and its subsequent acceptance have received little attention in Ghana. This study investigated how the general population reacted to the Government of Ghana's COVID-19 vaccination diffusion strategy as well as the motivating factors for its acceptance. In-depth interviews with thirty (30) purposefully selected respondents were conducted. The interview data were thematically analysed. Themes that emerged from the analysis included: conspiracy theory, vaccine as free lunch, misconception about susceptibility of COVID-19, misinformation and public education and lack of trust in the Government and the health system. The study's findings show that reluctance to receive vaccine is a significant obstacle to establishing effective vaccination efforts during the pandemic. We conclude that conspiracy theory, vaccine as free lunch, misconception about susceptibility of COVID-19, misinformation and public education and lack of trust in the Government and the health system as factors resulting in vaccine hesitancy. The study's conclusions can also give the Ghanaian government ideas for approaches to adopt in order to allay respondents' worries. This may significantly lessen vaccine hesitancy among Ghanaians.
More than linguistic needs and more than one perspective: Reconstructing perspectives of pupils with linguistically and spatially discontinuous school biographies and drawing implications for all school stakeholders
Authors: Daase Andrea , Rozum Nastassia , Rubinets Viktoriia
Published: June 2023

In the article we argue for a reconstructive and subject-oriented approach to data collection and analysis in order to reconstruct perspectives of pupils with linguistically and spatially discontinuous school biographies as a basis for needs analysis. The paper takes an in-depth look at a narrative interview with such a pupil using the Documentary Method. Based on the analysed interview passage and with recourse to the praxeologically extended sociocultural theories of SLA, we derive initial implications for schools with pupils with migratory experiences. One crucial assumption is that, in order to create better educational opportunities for children with migratory experiences, school staff need to systematically develop contingency competence. By contingency competence we mean the sensitivity and awareness of the principal openness of human life forms and their diverse possibilities for linguistic, material, and practical expression. Conclusions are drawn on what the required competencies contain and how an inclusive school can be created.
On left and right Browder elements in Banach algebra relative to a bounded homomorphism
Authors: Abdmouleh Faiçal , Khlif Hassen , Walha Ines
Published: June 2023

The focus of this paper is to extend some stability results of the analysis of perturbed operators on the Banach space to the case of Fredholm perturbation theory in a Banach algebra relative to a bounded homomorphism. Our approach is to define some subsets in a Banach algebra to enrich the theory of perturbed left-right Browder and left-right Weyl elements in a Banach algebra relative to a bounded homomorphism.
Synthesis, characterization, and optimization of a quaternary nanocomposite for efficient electromagnetic absorption coating in the X-band
Authors: Momeni Ahmad , Ghadi Arezoo , Fazaeli Reza , Khavarpour Maryam
Published: June 2023

In this study, a quaternary composite of graphite, polyaniline, cobalt ferrite, and thermoplastic polyurethane as a shielding material was prepared. The composite materials were analyzed with X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, vibrating-sample magnetometer and thermogravimetric analysis. The electromagnetic characterization of the samples was achieved using a Vector Network Analyzer in the X-band. The composites’ conductivity was analyzed by using the four-point probe method. For the investigation of water absorption, the ASTM D570-98 Standard Method was used. Design-Expert software applied design optimization for broadband electromagnetic shielding of the composite film. Ultimately, we introduced a composite film as an efficient microwave absorbent that had a weight percentage of cobalt ferrite 6.95 %, polyaniline 20.04 %, graphite 12.13 %, and thermoplastic polyurethane 60.88 % in a thickness of 1.26 mm, which had shielding effectiveness higher than 30 dB, which was suitable for commercial purposes. The results showed that graphite played an essential role in increasing the composite’s electrical conductivity and thermal stability but was unsuitable for water absorption resistance.
Mechanical strength enhancement of natural fibre composites via localized hybridization with stitch reinforcement
Authors: Thanu Chithambara , Raj Fantin Irudaya , Appadurai  , Pushparaj Lurthu
Published: June 2023

Stress concentration is an unavoidable phenomenon during the fabrication of composite structures. This research focuses on reducing stress concentration. Circular holes made on the composite structural member induce stress-concentrated regions. These stress-concentrated regions around the circular hole (considered as a weak section) were strengthened by adding synthetic fibre (local hybridization) in the form of fibre stitches (locked loop stitch). Through conducting a single fibre pull-out test, the present study analysed the impact of incorporating synthetic fibres in stitch form and the enhancement of Interfacial Shear Strength (IFSS). The load acting on the broken warp fibres is distributed to the broken weft fibres when the number of concentric stitches increases. The increment of concentric stitches resulted in the increase of IFSS due to localized hybridization. The tensile test results also show a significant improvement with 110 Nmm axial fastening force, from 6.749 MPa (for the natural fibre composite) to 76.91 MPa (for locally hybridized with eight concentric stitches). A simple bolted lap joint with local hybridization around the hole has been evaluated for different clamp-up forces. The best combinations of the clamp-up force and the extent of hybridization have been identified. SEM images illustrate the reduced voids and the reduced fibre pull-out due to the local hybridization around delamination-prone areas.
Should Homeland Security Studies Survive?
Authors: Dahl Erik J. , Ramsay James D.
Published: June 2023

A few years after the end of the Cold War, Richard Betts argued that a specter was haunting the field of strategic studies, “the specter of peace,” and asked whether that field should survive the new era. Today, more than two decades after the 9/11 attacks that stimulated the field of homeland security (HS) studies, we could ask a similar question about that field. Should it survive as an academic field of study, and if so, how should it adapt and change in an era in which concerns about terrorism have in large part been overtaken by great power competition, climate change, AI, pandemics and a host of other asymmetric threats? Is it/can it be an academic discipline? A profession? What questions does it ask and what contributions does it make to practitioners, policy makers, or society? This article reviews the state of HS studies today and what sub-fields and disciplines it touches. It examines HS publication and education in the United States and evaluates the contributions that HS studies have made to date. This review suggests homeland security studies should indeed survive, as a meta discipline that serves a valuable purpose by addressing the question of how governments and societies should best prepare for and respond to threats to their security that can range from local to global in scope, from small to large in scale, and from tame to wicked in character.
CeCr2Al20-type intermetallics – structure-property relationships
Authors: Pöttgen Rainer , Janka Oliver
Published: June 2023

This review summarizes the synthetic aspects, the structural and crystal chemical peculiarities as well as the physical properties of the members of the CeCr2Al20 type family. Most of the known compounds were investigated in great detail with respect to their properties since the plethora of elemental combinations is an interesting playground for structure property investigations.
Influence of reduced centrifugation time on clinical chemistry analytes and literature review
Authors: Tantisaranon Piraya , Dumkengkhachornwong Kanyarat , Hnoonual Areerat
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Centrifugation is a time-consuming step which increases the turnaround time (TAT) in laboratories. A few studies have addressed the effect of altering centrifugation settings on analytical quality for clinical chemistry analytes, and most of these studies have used collection tubes with gel separators. However, gel separator tubes may be unsuitable for some laboratories because they are slightly more expensive than tubes without gel separators and are not appropriate for some special tests. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of centrifugation conditions on clinical chemistry analytes.

Methods

We compared centrifugation times of 7 min at 2,200×g and 5 min at 2,750×g with the manufacturer’s protocol of 10 min at 1,300×g as the reference condition. Twenty general chemistry analytes were studied in lithium heparin plasma tubes without gel separators.

Results

For all analytes except carbon dioxide (CO2), no significant differences in analyte results were observed when the centrifugation time was reduced. Deming regression and Bland–Altman plots demonstrated an acceptable clinical concordance within the limits of total allowable error for all analytes between the two rapid centrifugation conditions with the reference centrifugation condition.

Conclusions

Our results confirmed that alternate centrifugation conditions for either 7 min at 2,200×g or 5 min at 2,750×g of samples collected in lithium heparin tubes without gel are acceptable for clinical chemistry analytes. Our data support using centrifugation at higher speeds for shorter times to improve TAT without altering the quality of the analytical results.
Flexible Produktion
Authors: Prinz Christopher , Gorsek Daniel , Ranft Alexander , Stürzebecher Pia , Haase Tina , Hauptvogel Matthias , Wannöffel Manfred , Kuhlenkötter Bernd
Published: June 2023

Die heutige Einsatzplanung der Mitarbeitenden erfolgt auf Basis von klassischen starren Parametern, wie z. B. der formalen Qualifikation und der vorhandenen Kompetenzen. Unter einer zusätzlichen Berücksichtigung von Belastungsfaktoren und individuellen Parametern könnten Mitarbeitende jedoch flexibler in der Produktion eingesetzt werden. Dieser Beitrag stellt die ersten Ergebnisse zu einer flexiblen Personaleinsatzplanung vor, welche unter Zuhilfenahme von Wissensmanagementmethoden ebendiese Faktoren berücksichtigt und auf den Einsatz von Assistenzsystemen zurückgreift.
Triaxial Tensile Strength Measurement of Compacted Clayey Soils
Authors: Yin Penghai , Vanapalli Sai K.
Published: June 2023

Tensile strength is strongly related to tensile cracking and is a key parameter required in the rational design of earth structures made of compacted clayey soils, such as earth dams, slopes, and embankments. Experimental studies related to the tensile strength of compacted soils that consider the influence of confining pressure is rather limited in the literature. For this reason, a novel experimental technique is developed for the measurement of triaxial tensile strength. Statically compacted soil specimens with a reduced central section are fabricated using a specially designed mold at different initial moisture contents but at the same dry density. The reduced triaxial extension stress path is followed during the test, which induces tensile failure on the reduced central section of the specimen. The triaxial tensile strength increases with an increase in initial matric suction (or decrease in initial degree of saturation) for the investigated range in this study. The variation of triaxial tensile strength with the confining pressure shows a non-monotonic variation, which is attributed to the volumetric deformation prior to failure and the failure mode transition. The test results provide clear evidence of the nonlinearity of the failure criterion, especially when the soil is subjected to tension.
International immigration and entrepreneurship in rural areas of the Spanish Pyrenees
Authors: Mendoza Cristóbal
Published: June 2023

The academic literature on international immigration into rural areas has clearly identified two main international migration flows: retirement migration and low-skilled migration in farming. Yet, the emphasis on these two types of international immigrants has overlooked other types of incomers, such as professionals, lifestyle movers, immigrant entrepreneurs and self-employed workers who may potentially have positive impacts on local rural economies and societies. Filling a gap in the literature, this paper concentrates on immigrant entrepreneurship in the Spanish Pyrenees. In doing so, it explores connections between local economies, entrepreneurship, and lifestyle immigration. It also analyses the potential of immigrant entrepreneurs to contribute to local economic growth with the different types of capital they possess (e.g. human capital, social capital). Methodology, it is based on a fieldwork carried out in the Spanish Pyrenees between February and May 2022. Specifically, it has been carried out 31 in-depth interviews with foreign-born immigrants in two areas of the Spanish Pyrenees (Girona and Huesca). The non-representative sample is equally distributed among immigrant entrepreneurs, self-employed workers, and employees, and it was also balanced by sex and covered different ages, covering, thus, a broad spectrum of immigrants’ labour incorporations. Our results add new evidence to previous discussions on immigrant entrepreneurship and lifestyle immigration, from the viewpoint of rural mountain areas. Interviewed immigrant entrepreneurs occasionally play a key role in the creation and introduction of innovative products in very specific market niches in farming and tourism in the Pyrenees. In this way, immigrants stimulate local economies, and help to strengthen values on sustainability, community and sense of place. Yet the companies they create are often limited in both size and capital, and these circumstances generally produce only a slight impact on local economic development and job creation in the Pyrenees