bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards inferring positioning of straight cochlear‐implant electrode arrays during insertion using real‐time impedance sensing
Authors: Riojas Katherine E. , Bruns Trevor L. , Granna Josephine , Smetak Miriam R. , Labadie Robert F. , Webster Robert J.
Published: January 2024

Background

Cochlear‐implant electrode arrays (EAs) are currently inserted with limited feedback, and impedance sensing has recently shown promise for EA localisation.

Methods

We investigate the use of impedance sensing to infer the progression of an EA during insertion.

Results

We show that the access resistance component of bipolar impedance sensing can detect when a straight EA reaches key anatomical locations in a plastic cochlea and when each electrode contact enters/exits the cochlea. We also demonstrate that dual‐sided electrode contacts can provide useful proximity information and show the real‐time relationship between impedance and wall proximity in a cadaveric cochlea for the first time.

Conclusion

The access resistance component of bipolar impedance sensing has high potential for estimating positioning information of EAs relative to anatomy during insertion. Main limitations of this work include using saline as a surrogate for human perilymph in ex vivo models and using only one type of EA.
Fiber Actuators Based on Reversible Thermal Responsive Liquid Crystal Elastomer
Authors: Tian Xuwang , Guo Yongshi , Zhang Jiaqi , Ivasishin Orest M. , Jia Jiru , Yan Jianhua
Published: January 2024

Soft actuators inspired by the movement of organisms have attracted extensive attention in the fields of soft robotics, electronic skin, artificial intelligence, and healthcare due to their excellent adaptability and operational safety. Liquid crystal elastomer fiber actuators (LCEFAs) are considered as one of the most promising soft actuators since they can provide reversible linear motion and are easily integrated or woven into complex structures to perform pre‐programmed movements such as stretching, rotating, bending, and expanding. The research on LCEFAs mainly focuses on controllable preparation, structural design, and functional applications. This review, for the first time, provides a comprehensive and systematic review of recent advances in this important field by focusing on reversible thermal response LCEFAs. First, the thermal driving mechanism, and direct and indirect heating strategies of LCEFAs are systematically summarized and analyzed. Then, the fabrication methods and functional applications of LCEFAs are summarized and discussed. Finally, the challenges and technical difficulties that may hinder the performance improvement and large‐scale production of LCEFAs are proposed, and the development opportunities of LCEFAs are prospected.
Flexible, Reliable, and Lightweight Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube/Polytetrafluoroethylene Membranes with Dual‐Nanofibrous Structure for Outstanding EMI Shielding and Multifunctional Applications
Authors: Shao Runze , Wang Guilong , Chai Jialong , Wang Guizhen , Zhao Guoqun
Published: January 2024

In this study, lightweight, flexible, and environmentally robust dual‐nanofibrous membranes made of carbon nanotube (CNT) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) are fabricated using a novel shear‐induced in situ fibrillation method for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. The unique spiderweb‐like network, constructed from fine CNTs and PTFE fibrils, integrates the inherent characteristics of these two materials to achieve high conductivity, superhydrophobicity, and extraordinary chemical resistance. The dual‐nanofibrous membranes demonstrate a high EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) of 25.7–42.2 dB at a thickness range of 100–520 µm and the normalized surface‐specific SE can reach up to 9931.1 dB·cm2·g−1, while maintaining reliability even under extremely harsh conditions. In addition, distinct electrothermal and photothermal conversion properties can be achieved easily. Under the stimulation of a modest electrical voltage (5 V) and light power density (400 mW·cm−2), the surface temperatures of the CNT/PTFE membranes can reach up to 135.1 and 147.8 °C, respectively. Moreover, the CNT/PTFE membranes exhibit swift, stable, and highly efficient thermal conversion capabilities, endowing them with self‐heating and de‐icing performance. These versatile, flexible, and breathable membranes, coupled with their efficient and facile fabrication process, showcase tremendous application potential in aerospace, the Internet of Things, and the fabrication of wearable electronic equipment for extreme environments.
Engineering of Ultra‐Thin Layer of MIL‐125(Ti) Nanosheet\Zn‐Tetracarboxy‐Phthalocyanine S‐Scheme Heterojunction as Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction Catalyst
Authors: Jiao Yuzhen , Chen Yajie , Liu Lu , Yu Xinyan , Tian Guohui
Published: January 2024

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with ultrathin 2D structure have attracted remarkable attention in photocatalytic application owing to the accessibility of abundant active sites on the surface. But high charge recombination results in poor photocatalytic activity. Herein, the synthesis of ultrathin MIL‐125(Ti) nanosheets is reported with a thickness of 1.3 nm through a simple chemical reaction route of precursor solution aging and subsequent solvothermal process for photocatalytic CO2 production. The maximal CO evolution rate achieves 200.8 µmol g−1 h−1, which is prominently higher than that (78.6 µmol g−1 h−1) of the bulk MIL‐125(Ti) counterpart. Furthermore, the structurally stable Zn (II) tetracarboxy phthalocyanine (ZnTcPc) molecules assembly on ultrathin MIL‐125(Ti) nanosheet (NS) to form MIL‐125(Ti) NS\ZnTcPc S‐scheme heterojunction through the strong interaction between the Ti3+ in MIL‐125(Ti) and the COOH in ZnTcPc. The introduction of ZnTcPc greatly extends light absorption range and increases charge separation rate. The experimental and density functional theory calculation results validate that the MIL‐125(Ti) NS\ZnTcPc S‐scheme heterojunction can favor CO2 adsorption and effectively depress the formation energy of the intermediates, achieving a high CO evolution rate of 450.8 µmol g−1 h−1. This work provides a strategy of engineering 2D MOF‐based heterostructure systems for photocatalytic application.
Enhancing Diabetic Wound Healing Through Improved Angiogenesis: The Role of Emulsion‐Based Core‐Shell Micro/Nanofibrous Scaffold with Sustained CuO Nanoparticle Delivery
Authors: Alizadeh Sanaz , Samadikuchaksaraei Ali , Jafari Davod , Orive Gorka , Dolatshahi‐Pirouz Alireza , Pezeshki‐Modaress Mohamad , Gholipourmalekabadi Mazaher
Published: January 2024

Attempts are made to design a system for sustaining the delivery of copper ions into diabetic wounds and induce angiogenesis with minimal dose‐dependent cytotoxicity. Here, a dual drug‐delivery micro/nanofibrous core‐shell system is engineered using polycaprolactone/sodium sulfated alginate‐polyvinyl alcohol (PCL/SSA‐PVA), as core/shell parts, by emulsion electrospinning technique to optimize sustained delivery of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NP). Herein, different concentrations of CuO NP (0.2, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.6%w/w) are loaded into the core part of the core‐shell system. The morphological, biomechanical, and biocompatibility properties of the scaffolds are fully determined in vitro and in vivo. The 0.8%w/w CuO NP scaffold reveals the highest level of tube formation in HUVEC cells and also upregulates the pro‐angiogenesis genes (VEGFA and bFGF) expression with no cytotoxicity effects. The presence of SSA and its interaction with CuO NP, and also core‐shell structure sustain the release of the nanoparticles and provide a non‐toxic microenvironment for cell adhesion and tube formation, with no sign of adverse immune response in vivo. The optimized scaffold significantly accelerates diabetic wound healing in a rat model. This study strongly suggests the 0.8%w/w CuO NP‐loaded PCL/SSA‐PVA as an excellent diabetic wound dressing with significantly improved angiogenesis and wound healing.
Ginkgo Leaf‐Derived Carbon Supports for the Immobilization of Iron/Iron Phosphide Nanospheres for Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Wang Qichang , Fei Zhaofu , Shen Dekui , Cheng Chongbo , Dyson Paul J.
Published: January 2024

Iron/iron phosphide nanospheres supported on ginkgo leaf‐derived carbon (Fe&FeP@gl‐C) are prepared using a post‐phosphidation approach, with varying amounts of iron (Fe). The activity of the catalysts in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) outperforms iron/iron carbide nanospheres supported on ginkgo leaf‐derived carbon (Fe&FexC@gl‐C), due to enhanced work function, electron transfer, and Volmer processes. The d‐band centers of Fe&FeP@gl‐C‐15 move away from the Fermi level, lowering the H2 desorption energy and accelerating the Heyrovsky reaction. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the hydrogen‐binding free energy |ΔGH*| value is close to zero for the Fe&FeP@gl‐C‐15 catalyst, showing a good balance between Volmer and Heyrovsky processes. The Fe&FeP@gl‐C‐15 catalyst shows excellent hydrogen evolution performance in 0.5 m H2SO4, driving a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at an overpotential of 92 mV. Notably, the Fe&FeP@gl‐C‐15 catalyst outperforms a 20 wt% Pt/C catalyst, with a smaller overpotential required to drive a higher current density above 375 mA cm−2.
Catalyst‐On‐Hotspot Nanoarchitecture: Plasmonic Focusing of Light onto Co‐Photocatalyst for Efficient Light‐To‐Chemical Transformation
Authors: Chong Carice , Boong Siew Kheng , Raja Mogan Tharishinny , Lee Jinn‐Kye , Ang Zhi Zhong , Li Haitao , Lee Hiang Kwee
Published: January 2024

Plasmon‐mediated catalysis utilizing hybrid photocatalytic ensembles promises effective light‐to‐chemical transformation, but current approaches suffer from weak electromagnetic field enhancements from polycrystalline and isotropic plasmonic nanoparticles as well as poor utilization of precious co‐catalyst. Here, efficient plasmon‐mediated catalysis is achieved by introducing a unique catalyst‐on‐hotspot nanoarchitecture obtained through the strategic positioning of co‐photocatalyst onto plasmonic hotspots to concentrate light energy directly at the point‐of‐reaction. Using environmental remediation as a proof‐of‐concept application, the catalyst‐on‐hotspot design (edge‐AgOcta@Cu2O) enhances photocatalytic advanced oxidation processes to achieve superior organic‐pollutant degradation at ≈81% albeit having lesser Cu2O co‐photocatalyst than the fully deposited design (full‐AgOcta@Cu2O). Mass‐normalized rate constants of edge‐AgOcta@Cu2O reveal up to 20‐fold and 3‐fold more efficient utilization of Cu2O and Ag nanoparticles, respectively, compared to full‐AgOcta@Cu2O and standalone catalysts. Moreover, this design also exhibits catalytic performance >4‐fold better than emerging hybrid photocatalytic platforms. Mechanistic studies unveil that the light‐concentrating effect facilitated by the dense electromagnetic hotspots is crucial to promote the generation and utilization of energetic photocarriers for enhanced catalysis. By enabling the plasmonic focusing of light onto co‐photocatalyst at the single‐particle level, the unprecedented design offers valuable insights in enhancing light‐driven chemical reactions and realizing efficient energy/catalyst utilizations for diverse chemical, environmental, and energy applications.
Hydrophobicity Promoted Efficient Hydroxyl Radical Generation in Visible‐Light‐Driven Photocatalytic Oxidation
Authors: Chen Xi , Sheng Xia , Zhou Hang , Liu Zhiping , Xu Minmin , Feng Xinjian
Published: January 2024

Hydroxyl radical (•OH) with strong oxidation capability is one of the most important reactive oxygen species. The generation of •OH from superoxide radicals (•O2−) is an important process in visible‐light‐driven photocatalysis, but the conversion generally suffers from slow reaction kinetics. Here, a hydrophobicity promoted efficient •OH generation in a visible‐light‐driven semiconductor‐mediated photodegradation reaction is reported. Hydrophobic TiO2 that is synthesized by modifying the TiO2 surface with a thin polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) layer and rhodamine B (RhB) are used as model semiconductors and dye molecules, respectively. The surface hydrophobicity resulted in the formation of a solid–liquid–air triphase interface microenvironment, which increased the local concentration of O2. In the meanwhile, the saturated adsorption quantity of RhB on hydrophobic TiO2 is improved by five‐fold than that on untreated TiO2. These advantages increased the density of the conduction band photoelectrons and •O2− generation, and stimulated the conversion of •O2− to •OH. This consequently not only increased the kinetics of the photocatalytic reaction by an order of magnitude, but also altered the oxidation route from conventional decolorization to mineralization. This study highlights the importance of surface wettability modulation in boosting •OH generation in visible‐light‐driven photocatalysis.
Sulfide Inclusions in an Al‐Killed Nonoriented Electrical Steel with Lanthanum Addition
Authors: Wang Jujin , Cheng Lin , Hu Yan , Zhang Lifeng
Published: January 2024

Herein, laboratory experiments are conducted to evaluate the effect of sulfur and lanthanum content in the steel on the modification of inclusions. The amount, composition, morphology, and size of nonmetallic inclusions in the steel are observed using an automatic scanning electron microscope. Results show that as the lanthanum content in the steel increased from 0 to 72 ppm, the inclusions in the steel with 12 ppm sulfur are modified in the following order: Al2O3–CaO–MgO → LaAlO3 → LaAlO3–La2O2S → La2O2S. Similarly, when the sulfur content is 27 ppm, inclusions transformed in the order of Al2O3–CaO–MgO → LaAlO3 → LaAlO3–La2O2S → La2O2S → La2O2S–LaxS → LaxS as the lanthanum content increases from 0 to 150 ppm. Thermodynamic analysis using FactSage based on a private database is employed to reveal the mechanism for the modification of inclusions. Additionally, a kinetic model is established to study the transformation rate of inclusions in the steel after the addition of lanthanum and sulfur. Liquid Al2O3–CaO–MgO inclusions disappear after 800 s when the steel contains 12 ppm sulfur and 12 ppm lanthanum. The composition of inclusions is 53%LaAlO3–47%La2O2S at 1800 s, while it is 100%La2O2S and 80%La2O2S–18%LaxS–2%CaS when the lanthanum content is 33 and 72 ppm, respectively.
A new Wind Atlas to support the expansion of the Italian wind power fleet
Authors: Sperati Simone , Alessandrini Stefano , D'Amico Filippo , Cheng Will , Rozoff Christopher M. , Bonanno Riccardo , Lacavalla Matteo , Aiello Martina , Airoldi Davide , Amaranto Alessandro , Decimi Goffredo , Vergata Milena Angelina
Published: January 2024

As a contribution to national strategic energy planning, recent developments in meteorological modeling and wind generation technologies have improved the representation of the spatio‐temporal features of wind. This paper describes an updated Italian Wind Atlas (Atlante EOLico ItaliANo [AEOLIAN]) released in the early 2000s. The objective of AEOLIAN is to guide future wind generation to accord with ambitious European greenhouse gas emission targets set for 2030 and 2050. AEOLIAN is the result of a collaboration effort between Ricerca sul Sistema Energetico (RSE) SpA and the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), which jointly developed a novel approach combining high‐resolution numerical weather modeling with the Analog Ensemble (AnEn) statistical technique. This paper uses dynamical model runs with hourly output for 1990–2019 with 4 km horizontal grid spacing. For 2015–2019, an inner grid nest with 1.33 km horizontal grid spacing is used. The AnEn is then employed to temporally extend the 5 years of high‐resolution runs back through 1990–2014 to create a 30‐year dataset for Italy and surrounding marine areas. A thorough verification is carried out using 104 observational stations homogeneously distributed throughout the territory. Compared with other state‐of‐the‐art products, AEOLIAN provides enhanced accuracy over complex terrain thanks to higher horizontal resolution and the assimilation of observational wind data over the domain, which result in a reduction of model bias on complex terrain and a better reconstruction of the wind distributions. Finally, a new WebGIS interface (https://atlanteeolico.rse-web.it/) to explore AEOLIAN data is described.
Effect of industrial wastewater treatment system upgrade on the composition of emitted odorants and volatile organic compounds from a cheese production facility
Authors: Hanková Mariana , Hruška Filip , Schätz Martin , Čížková Helena
Published: January 2024

This study investigates the rarely studied volatile organic compound emissions from a cheese production facility and the impact of its wastewater treatment system upgrade on the composition of emitted odorants. Wastewater grab samples were collected from six separate wastewater channels before (2019) and after (2021) the system upgrade and analyzed for volatile organic compounds, pH, total dissolved solids, and electrical conductivity. Results showed that the channel from hard cheese production in 2021 had the highest number of volatile organic compounds (35), followed by the fresh cheese production channel (22). Following the industrial wastewater treatment system upgrade, a mineral oil contamination occurred; however, the number of odorants with nasal impact frequency (NIF) ≥ 0.5 in the effluent decreased from 11 to 5. 2‐Propenoic acid butyl ester (NIF 0.75) stood out as the most prominent compound, described as fruity, waxy, or green. After the industrial wastewater treatment system upgrades, we observed a decrease in the number of odorants. However other measures must be taken to ensure proper wastewater processing.

Practitioner Points

More than 60 VOCs were identified in 6 channels from the cheese production facility.15 odorants in cheese production wastewater were detected by SPME‐GC–MS/O.

The most potent odorants before and after the system upgrade were 1‐octen‐3‐ol and 2‐propenoic acid butyl ester, respectively.

The upgrades of the industrial wastewater treatment system had a positive impact on reducing the number of odorants and their odor intensity.
Adaptive evolution of Salmonella Typhimurium LT2 exposed to carvacrol lacks a uniform pattern
Authors: Pagan Elisa , Merino Natalia , Berdejo Daniel , Campillo Raul , Gayan Elisa , García-Gonzalo Diego , Pagan Rafael
Published: January 2024

Emergence of genetic variants with increased resistance/tolerance to natural antimicrobials, such as essential oils, has been previously evidenced; however, it is unknown whether mutagenesis follows a general or a specific pattern. For this purpose, we carried out four adaptive laboratory evolutions (ALE) in parallel of Salmonella enterica Typhimurium with carvacrol. After 10 evolution steps, we selected and characterized one colony from each lineage (SeCarA, SeCarB, SeCarC, and SeCarD). Phenotypic characterization of the four evolved strains revealed enhanced survival to lethal treatments; two of them (SeCarA and SeCarB) showed an increase of minimum inhibitory concentration of carvacrol and a better growth fitness in the presence of carvacrol compared to wild-type strain. Whole genome sequencing revealed 10 mutations, of which four (rrsH, sseG, wbaV, and flhA) were present in more than one strain, whereas six (nirC, fliH, lon, rob, upstream yfhP, and upstream argR) were unique to individual strains. Single-mutation genetic constructs in SeWT confirmed lon and rob as responsible for the increased resistance to carvacrol as well as to antibiotics (ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol, nalidixic acid, rifampicin, tetracycline, and trimethoprim). wbaV played an important role in increased tolerance against carvacrol and chloramphenicol, and flhA in cross-tolerance to heat treatments. As a conclusion, no common phenotypical or genotypical pattern was observed in the isolated resistant variants of Salmonella Typhimurium emerged under carvacrol stress. Furthermore, the demonstration of cross-resistance against heat and antibiotics exhibited by resistant variants raises concerns regarding food safety.

Key points

• Stable resistant variants of Salmonella Typhimurium emerged under carvacrol stress

• No common pattern of mutagenesis after cyclic exposures to carvacrol was observed

• Resistant variants to carvacrol showed cross-resistance to heat and to antibiotics

Graphical abstract
Artificial light at night suppresses the day-night cardiovascular variability: evidence from humans and rats
Authors: Molcan Lubos , Babarikova Katarina , Cvikova Diana , Kincelova Natalia , Kubincova Lenka , Mauer Sutovska Hana
Published: January 2024

Artificial light at night (ALAN) affects most of the population. Through the retinohypothalamic tract, ALAN modulates the activity of the central circadian oscillator and, consequently, various physiological systems, including the cardiovascular one. We summarised the current knowledge about the effects of ALAN on the cardiovascular system in diurnal and nocturnal animals. Based on published data, ALAN reduces the day-night variability of the blood pressure and heart rate in diurnal and nocturnal animals by increasing the nocturnal values of cardiovascular variables in diurnal animals and decreasing them in nocturnal animals. The effects of ALAN on the cardiovascular system are mainly transmitted through the autonomic nervous system. ALAN is also considered a stress-inducing factor, as glucocorticoid and glucose level changes indicate. Moreover, in nocturnal rats, ALAN increases the pressure response to load. In addition, ALAN induces molecular changes in the heart and blood vessels. Changes in the cardiovascular system significantly depend on the duration of ALAN exposure. To some extent, alterations in physical activity can explain the changes observed in the cardiovascular system after ALAN exposure. Although ALAN acts differently on nocturnal and diurnal animals, we can conclude that both exhibit a weakened circadian coordination among physiological systems, which increases the risk of future cardiovascular complications and reduces the ability to anticipate stress.
Examining Blended Learning Adoption Towards Improving Learning Performance in Institutions of Higher Education
Authors: Anthony Jnr Bokolo
Published: January 2024

Institutions of higher education are implementing Blended Learning (BL) approaches to supplement traditional courses in enhancing students’ learning experiences. However, only fewer studies have examined BL acceptance based on the determinants that influence students’ perception towards BL integration in improving learning performance. Accordingly, this study employs the theory of Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Information System (IS) success model to develop a model to examine the determinants that influence students’ perception towards BL integration and acceptance as a mode of study to improve learning performance. Survey questionnaire was designed, and data was gathered from 1169 students to empirically validate the designed model. Accordingly, Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was applied to analyze the survey data. The results suggest that system quality, information quality, and service quality significantly impact students’ acceptance of BL. Moreover, results reveal that perceived usefulness of BL, perceived ease of use of BL, attitude towards using BL, intention to use BL, and actual use of BL were proven to be key determinants that should be considered in improving students’ acceptance of BL. Additionally, results indicate that students’ acceptance of BL significantly influences learning performance. Implications from this study provide insights on how institutions can improve students’ integration of BL initiatives in both physical and digital learning environments.
Modeling machine-side influences on the Z-Folding process of battery cells
Authors: Husseini Kamal , Boschert Levin , Schabel Sebastian , Fleischer Jürgen
Published: January 2024

The modeling of stacking machines for battery cell production offers potentials for quantifying interdependencies and thus optimizing development and commissioning processes against the background of a targeted efficient production. This paper presents a methodology to develop a model for quantifying machine-side influences using the example of a Z-Folding machine. The components and aspects of the machine to be modeled and their level of detail are systematically derived. Subsequently, it is shown how to parameterize the derived aspects. The components and aspects of the machine are modeled and connected through a multi-physics simulation. This makes it possible to predict the effects on the separator material to be processed depending on the selected setting parameters on the machine. This opens up potentials, for example, to identify optimal setting parameters in a risk-free and model-based manner, depending on the materials to be processed. As a result, material waste can be reduced by eliminating previous "trial and error" approaches.
Mitigating Aflatoxin B1-Induced Growth Impairment and Hepatic Stress in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus): Comparative Efficacy of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Silicate-Based Detoxifiers
Authors: Zaineldin Amr I. , Elsebaey Ehab , Habotta Ola A. , Abdo Walied S. , Basuini Mohammed F. El , Dawood Mahmoud A. O.
Published: January 2024

The objective of this study was to detect the effects of acute aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) exposure in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and the effectiveness of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and silicate in reducing these effects. Two hundred and forty Nile tilapia fingerlings (16 ± 0.5 g) were randomly assigned to four experimental groups, each with 60 fish and three replicates. Control basal diet (Diet 1) and three test diets were formulated, where Diet 2 was supplemented with 200 ppb AFB1. Diets 3 and 4 were intoxicated with AFB1 (200 ppb) and supplemented with 0.5% S. cerevisiae or 0.5%, respectively. After 60 days, Diet 1 had considerably greater growth characteristics than the other groups (p < 0.05). Diet 2 revealed a reduced (p < 0.05) survival rate after 1 month of exposure. In addition, Diet 1 showed higher (p < 0.05) total protein and albumin levels than Diets 3 and 4. AFB1 residues were detected in the liver in fish-fed Diet 2, Diet 4, and Diet 3. Alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine, and urea levels increased (p < 0.05) in fish-fed Diet 2. The glutathione peroxidase, lysozyme, and catalase activity were decreased (p < 0.05) in the fish-fed Diet 2. The malondialdehyde level was significantly higher in fish given Diet 2 (p < 0.05) than in fish-fed Diets 3 and 4. Histopathological investigation of fish-fed Diet 2 revealed impaired liver and spleen; however, both treatments (Diets 3 and 4) successfully lowered inflammation and preserved liver and spleen integrities. In conclusion, AFB1 impaired growth performance and posed a severe health risk to Nile tilapia. Furthermore, S. cerevisiae alleviated the contamination of AFB1 effects more efficiently than silicate employed for toxin adsorption.
Treatment of acute phase of Peyronie’s disease with tamoxifen and vardenafil/tadalafil off label
Authors: Geelhoed Jeannette P. , de Jong Igle Jan , Beck Jack J. H.
Published: January 2024

Peyronie’s Disease (PD) causes penile curvature and pain in acute phase. In two preclinical studies, tamoxifen and vardenafil (T&T) together showed to be effective in the acute phase. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical results of the off-label treatment of PD patients with T&T in combination with vacuum erection device (VED) in St Antonius hospital, urology outpatient clinic. Baseline descriptive Statistics, Fisher Exact and Chi-Square Test were used. 48 Men were included, mean age 53.0 years (SD 9.5), baseline curvature 46.7° (SD 18.8), median duration four months, 70.8% (n = 48) painful erections. Dorsal curvature is found in 27 (56.3%) men, mean stretched penile length 13.4 cm. Mean use of T&T was 13 weeks (1–52 weeks). Curvature improvement in 27.7% men, pain reduction in 48.5% men, sexual intercourse/coitus improvement in 34.2% men, erection improvement in 14.6% men. Adverse reactions of T&T in 39.6% (n = 19). This was the first study investigating the use of T&T in acute phase PD patients. 27.7% of patients reported improvement in curvature with T&T.
Faith Healing Techniques in the Management of Sickle Cell Anaemia in Nigeria
Authors: Lawal Musediq Olufemi , Akinrinde Olawale Olufemi , Jegede Ayodele Samuel
Published: January 2024

People living with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) tend to experience multiple sources of therapy complemented by self-care practices. In Nigeria, over 100,000 babies are born yearly with sickle cell anaemia. High prevalence of this disease in Nigeria is attributed to lack of adequate knowledge about it. Data exist on the role of Western medicine and traditional medicine in the management of several diseases including sickle cell anaemia but little is known about faith therapy. This study therefore examined faith healing techniques in the management of SCA outside the medical settings. Using Weber’s Social Action Theory and Health Belief Model as explanatory framework, qualitative data were obtained through snowball sampling technique which cut across seven local government areas (LGAs) of Osun State—Atakumosa West, Boripe, Osogbo, Ife East, Ifedayo, Ilesa West, and Ila. A total of twenty Key Informant Interview sessions were held while three case studies were generated from the respondents. The study revealed that treatment techniques include prayer, application of herbs, divination, and counselling. Poor adherence to treatment was noted to be due to emotional trauma being experienced by patients and caregivers. Prayer and counselling were effective therapy to manage the condition. Both Christian and Muslim clerics engaged used prayer and fasting as treatment techniques, even though they also recognized the need for modern medical services. Traditional healers diagnosed the disease with divination and applied herbs and charms as well as appease the perceived spirit causing the disease. The Muslim clerics also use herbs. Majority of the practitioners recognized that the problem of emotional trauma (the major threat to adherence to treatment and positive health outcomes) is best surmounted through prayer and fasting. In terms of treatment, the general trends thus entail combination of faith healing through prayer and fasting, spiritual consultation, and the practice of embracing modern medicine where SCA patients are referred to hospitals. This paper therefore concluded that culture and society provide the context for understanding the prevention and treatment of diseases.
Numerical analysis on the factors affecting post-peak characteristics of coal under uniaxial compression
Authors: Lu Zhiguo , Ju Wenjun , Gao Fuqiang , Du Taotao
Published: January 2024

The post-peak characteristics of coal serve as a direct reflection of its failure process and are essential parameters for evaluating brittleness and bursting liability. Understanding the significant factors that influence post-peak characteristics can offer valuable insights for the prevention of coal bursts. In this study, the Synthetic Rock Mass method is employed to establish a numerical model, and the factors affecting coal post-peak characteristics are analyzed from four perspectives: coal matrix mechanical parameters, structural weak surface properties, height-to-width ratio, and loading rate. The research identifies four significant influencing factors: deformation modulus, density of discrete fracture networks, height-to-width ratio, and loading rate. The response and sensitivity of post-peak characteristics to single-factor and multi-factor interactions are assessed. The result suggested that feasible prevention and control measures for coal bursts can be formulated through four approaches: weakening the mechanical properties of coal pillars, increasing the number of structural weak surfaces in coal pillars, reducing the width of coal pillars, and optimizing mining and excavation speed. The efficacy of measures aimed at weakening the mechanical properties of coal is successfully demonstrated through a case study on coal burst prevention using large-diameter borehole drilling.
Canadian Workers’ Well-Being During the Beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Latent Profile Analysis
Authors: Pacheco Tyler , Coulombe Simon , Kocovski Nancy L.
Published: January 2024

To explore workers’ well-being during COVID-19, researchers have primarily utilized variable-centered approaches (e.g., regression) focusing on describing workers’ general level of well-being. Given the diversity of factors that may have impacted workers’ well-being during the pandemic, focusing on such well-being trends do not provide sufficient insight into the different lived well-being experiences during the pandemic. Moreover, positive well-being in workers’ general lives and work has been understudied in such complex public health crises. To address these issues, we use latent profile analysis, a person-centered analysis, to explore the diverse well-being realities Canadian workers (employed before COVID-19 or working at the time of the survey) experienced at the beginning of COVID-19. Canadian workers (N = 510) were surveyed between May 20-27th, 2020, on positive (meaning in life, flourishing, thriving at work) and negative (distress, stress, impaired productivity, troublesome symptoms at work) well-being indicators, as well as on factors that may be associated with experiencing different well-being profiles. Five well-being profiles emerged: moderately prospering, prospering, moderately suffering, suffering, and mixed. Factors at the self- (gender, age, disability status, trait resilience), social- (marital status, family functioning, having children at home), workplace- (some employment statuses and work industries, financial strain, job security), and pandemic-related (perceived vulnerability to COVID-19, social distancing) ecological levels predicted profile membership. Recommendations for employers, policymakers, and mental health organizations are discussed.
“With the Pandemic Everything Changes!”: Examining Welfare Reform and Conditionality Prior to and During the COVID-19 Pandemic Amongst NEET Experienced Young People
Authors: Wrigley Liam
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this article is to critically explore pre-existing and continuing welfare conditionality of NEET (not in education, employment, or training) experienced young people in the UK. The article traces the policy history of NEET over the last 25 years, to demonstrate the enduring nature of benefit sanctioning that NEET experienced young people have faced throughout a decade of austerity, Brexit, and now the COVID-19 pandemic. The article engages with key narratives from 43 interviews of NEET experienced young people and youth work professionals, undertaken prior and during the pandemic. Overall, the article argues that government actors and policy makers alike have not gone far enough to support NEET experienced young people. The article found that more structural and institutional levels of support from central government are needed to meaningfully engage NEET experienced young people in their education, employment, and training trajectories throughout periods of crisis.
Assessment of different solvents effect on bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity and nutritional formation of red seaweed, Gracilariopsis longissima, from Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh
Authors: Akhter Mousumi , Ullah Md. Rahamat , Khan Abu Bakker Siddique , Hasan Md. Monjurul , Yasmin Farhana , Bosu Aovijite , Haque Md. Ashraful , Islam Md. Mohidul , Islam Md. Amirul , Mahmud Yahia
Published: January 2024

Seaweed is known to empower a mass embodiment of bioactive compounds with potent health convenience. Current perusals intended to explore the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant dynamism of red seaweed,Gracilariopsis longissimaas pervaded by different solvents and solvent fractions (methanol, ethanol, acetone, and water). The extracts dynamism to antioxidant were assessed by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2, 2’-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS). Here, 100% methanolic and acetonic extract asserted maximal extent of total phenolic and flavonoid content (88.70 mg of gallic acid/g and 75.06 mg of quercetin/g respectively) in a sufficiently great way. However, 50% methanolic DPPH and ABTS solution (74.32%, IC50 = 0.027 mg/ml and 70.51%, IC50 = 0.033 mg/ml) significantly demonstrated the highest percentage of inhibition and antioxidant activity compared to other solvents.Gracilariopsis longissimaalso contains a high amount of protein (30.63%) and minerals especially potassium (4.47%) and calcium (2.54%). According to the results of this study,G. longissimaextracts prepared using 100% methanol as a solvent showed higher total phenolic and total flavonoid quantity and 50% methanol as a solvent showed higher antioxidant potential. These properties will be valuable for nutritional food and medicinal uses.
Distinguishing features of depression in dementia from primary psychiatric disease
Authors: Fisher Daniel W. , Dunn Jeffrey T. , Dong Hongxin
Published: January 2024

Depression is a common and devastating neuropsychiatric symptom in the elderly and in patients with dementia. In particular, nearly 80% of patients with Alzheimer’s Disease dementia experience depression during disease development and progression. However, it is unknown whether the depression in patients with dementia shares the same molecular mechanisms as depression presenting as primary psychiatric disease or occurs and persists through alternative mechanisms. In this review, we discuss how the clinical presentation and treatment differ between depression in dementia and as a primary psychiatric disease, with a focus on major depressive disorder. Then, we hypothesize several molecular mechanisms that may be unique to depression in dementia such as neuropathological changes, inflammation, and vascular events. Finally, we discuss existing issues and future directions for investigation and treatment of depression in dementia.
The Colonate in the Roman Empire
Authors: Sirks Boudewijn
Published: January 2024

The fourth and fifth centuries AD gave rise to a particular phenomenon in the Roman Empire: the colonate. The colonate involved the fiscal regulation of a relationship of surety between landowners and farmers in the later Roman Empire and played a major role in agrarian and social relations, with implications for these farmers' freedom of movement and transmission of status. This study provides a clear and comprehensive reassessment of the legal aspects of the phenomenon, embedding them as far as possible in their social and economic contexts. As well as taking the innovative approach of working retrogradely, or backwards through time, the volume provides a thorough assessment of two critical sources, the Theodosian and Justinian Codes, and will therefore be an invaluable resource for students and scholars of Roman law and the agricultural and social history of late antiquity.
Byron: A Life in Ten Letters
Authors: Stauffer Andrew
Published: January 2024

Lord Byron was the most celebrated of all the Romantic poets. Troubled, handsome, sexually fluid, disabled, and transgressive, he wrote his way to international fame – and scandal – before finding a kind of redemption in the Greek Revolution. He also left behind the vast trove of thrilling letters (to friends, relatives, lovers, and more) that form the core of this remarkable biography. Published to coincide with the 200th anniversary of Byron's death, and adopting a fresh approach, it explores his life and work through some of his best, most resonant correspondence. Each chapter opens with Byron's own voice – as if we have opened a letter from the poet himself – followed by a vivid account of the emotions and experiences that missive touches. This gripping life traces the meteoric trajectory of a poet whose brilliance shook the world and whose legacy continues to shape art and culture to this day.
The Individual in the Economic and Monetary Union
Authors: Bobić Ana
Published: January 2024

A contribution to legal theories of accountability, this book offers pioneering research on the position of the individual in the EU's Economic and Monetary Union. Its premise is that the EU's response to the financial crisis placed undue emphasis on equality of Member States, to the detriment of political equality of citizens. As a remedy, this book reimagines legal accountability as the vehicle for achieving the common interest, by presenting a novel understanding of the relationship between solidarity and equality. Institutionally, the author argues that, by carrying out intensive review of the duty to state reasons, courts can ensure that decision-makers act in the common interest. The book explores judicial review in financial assistance, the monetary policy mechanisms of the European Central Bank, and the Single Supervisory Mechanism. Looking into the future, it tests its theoretical and normative propositions on the newly established Next Generation EU. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
Tactical Air Power and the Vietnam War
Authors: Haun Phil
Published: January 2024

This book introduces a much-needed theory of tactical air power to explain air power effectiveness in modern warfare with a particular focus on the Vietnam War as the first and largest modern air war. Phil Haun shows how in the Rolling Thunder, Commando Hunt, and Linebacker air campaigns, independently air power repeatedly failed to achieve US military and political objectives. In contrast, air forces in combined arms operations succeeded more often than not. In addition to predicting how armies will react to a lethal air threat, he identifies operational factors of air superiority, air-to-ground capabilities, and friendly ground force capabilities, along with environmental factors of weather, lighting, geography and terrain, and cover and concealment in order to explain air power effectiveness. The book concludes with analysis of modern air warfare since Vietnam along with an assessment of tactical air power relevance now and for the future.
Béla Bartók in Italy
Authors: Palazzetti Nicolò
Published: January 2024

This book examines the reputation of the Hungarian composer Béla Bartók (1881-1945) as an antifascist hero and beacon of freedom. Following Bartok's reception in Italy from the early twentieth century, through Mussolini's fascist regime, and into the early Cold War, Palazzetti explores the connections between music, politics and diplomacy. The wider context of this study also offers glimpses into broader themes such as fascist cultural policies, cultural resistance, and the ambivalent political usage of modernist music.

The book argues that the 'Bartókian Wave' occurring in Italy after the Second World War was the result of the fusion of the Bartók myth as the 'musician of freedom' and the Cold War narrative of an Italian national regeneration. Italian-Hungarian diplomatic cooperation during the interwar period had supported Bartok's success in Italy. But, in spite of their political alliance, the cultural policies by Europe's leading fascist regimes started to diverge over the years: many composers proscribed in Nazi Germany were increasingly performed in fascist Italy. In the early 1940s, the now exiled composer came to represent one of the symbols of the anti-Nazi cultural resistance in Italy and was canonised as 'the musician of freedom'. Exile and death had transformed Bartók into a martyr, just as the 'Resistenza' and the catastrophe of war had redeemed post-war Italy.
A Descriptive Catalogue of the English Manuscripts of John Gower's Confessio Amantis
Authors: Pearsall Derek , Mooney Linne R.
Published: January 2024

The Confessio Amantis is John Gower's major work in English, written around the time that his acquaintance Geoffrey Chaucer was writing the Canterbury Tales. Extant manuscripts are numerous. At the end of the nineteenth century G. C. Macaulay had described the forty manuscripts then known to survive in the introduction to his edition, but some of these descriptions were very brief, and of course the other nine of whose existence he was then unaware were not included. This descriptive catalogue of all of the surviving manuscripts containing the Confessio is the first work to bring together extensive detailed descriptions of its forty-nine complete manuscripts and numerous fragments and excerpts; it will enable scholars of Middle English literature and manuscript studies to compare features across the corpus of surviving manuscripts or read detailed descriptions of individual manuscripts. Each description in this catalogue covers the manuscript's contents, artwork, physical qualities such as size, material, collation, foliation, etc., as well as additions by later users and provenance. There is also a lengthy introduction giving an overview of the corpus, and appendices for reference to the current whereabouts of the manuscripts, fragments and excerpts, and listing Gower's Latin and French works that appear in some of the manuscripts. Eight colour illustrations provide context for discussions of the miniatures and illuminated borders of some manuscripts.
Religious Identity and Epistemic Injustice: An Intersectional Account
Authors: Rekis Jaclyn
Published: January 2024

In this article, I argue in favor of an intersectional account of religious identity to better make sense of how religious subjects can be treated with epistemic injustice. To do this, I posit two perspectives through which to view religious identity: as a social identity and as a worldview. I argue that these perspectives shed light on the unique ways in which religious subjects can be epistemically harmed. From the first perspective, religious subjects can be harmed when their religion is racialized or when their gender and dress are mistakenly thought to be predictive of their beliefs and practices. As an instance of this, I focus on the epistemic harms facing Muslim women who practice veiling. From the worldview perspective, religious subjects can be harmed when we, by contrast, underestimate the force of the connections between religion, race, and gender. Such connections can give rise to intersectionally rich theologies that can in turn be marginalized and denied credibility. To illuminate the worldview perspective, I focus on Christian abolitionist and feminist Sojourner Truth.
Diving deep for the needle in the haystack: An outbreak investigation of Burkholderia cenocepacia bacteremia
Authors: Ghafur Abdul , Balaguru Praveen , Ramanan S. G. , Rajendranath Rejiv , Raj Revathi , Zehran Mohammed , Raja T. , Easow Jose M. , Srinivasan Sankar , Devaprasad Dedeepiya , Sukumar Thilakavathy , Nilgar Praveen , Sakthivel K. , Nirumal Rakkesh M. , Chandra K. , Lakshmi Sree V. , Sethuraman Nandini , Devi Bakthavatchalam Yamuna , Veeraraghavan Balaji
Published: January 2024

In an Indian oncology setting, between August and December 2021, 56 patients, developed Burkholderia cenocepacia bacteremia. An investigation revealed a contaminated batch of the antiemetic drug palonosetron. The outbreak was terminated by withdrawing the culprit batch and the findings were reported promptly to regulatory authorities.
Election symbols and vote choice: evidence from India
Authors: Lee Alexander , Qi Weihong
Published: January 2024

A large literature has shown that ballot order and ballot structure can influence vote choice. We focus on another behavioral cue for voting, the symbols that are assigned to candidates in many democracies. We take advantage of a naturally occurring experiment in India, where independent candidates can choose from a list of free symbols and conflicting choices are resolved by a drawing of lots. We find that winning the draw has a substantial positive effect on vote share. We also find some evidence that candidates attempt to choose their symbols strategically, for instance choosing household goods common in their constituencies.