bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
1-D CONSOLIDATION OF SOFT CLAY SUBJECTED TO CYCLIC LOADING USING LEM
Authors: El Gendy Omar , El Arabi Ibrahim , El Kersh Ibrahim
Published: July 2024

In this paper, a numerical modification is carried out on the Layer Equation Method (LEM) of El Gendy and Herrmann to be applicable for analyzing 1-D consolidation of soft clay subjected to cyclic loading. The LEM is applicable for multilayered soil system subjected to variable initial stress along depth. The proposed solution is used for normally and over consolidated clays subjected to different types of cyclic loading considering the basis of the method of Toufigh and Ouria. The LEM is incorporated by the authors into the geotechnical software ELPLA and is verified with two verifications. The results of the verifications are close to the references results. The proposed solution is applied for circular storage tanks as a structure subjected to cyclic loading from filling and discharging cycles. An application was held to study the effect of cyclic loading on two zones located at Port-Said city in Egypt using real soil data from real sites. The results of the average degree of consolidation and consolidation settlement versus time are presented for both zones.
SUITABILITY OF RICE HUSK ASH TREATED BLACK COTTON SOIL FOR WASTE CONTAINMENT APPLICATION
Authors: D. Hamisu , A.M. Kundiri , S.Y. Umar
Published: July 2024

This paper presents an experimental study aimed at assessing the suitability of rice husk ash (RHA) treated black cotton soil as a barrier in Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) containment facility. Laboratory tests were conducted on black cotton soil treated with 5, 10 and 15% RHA at moulding water contents of 2 and 4% on both wet and dry sides of optimum moisture content (OMC) using British Standard Heavy (BSH) compactive effort. Index properties, hydraulic conductivity (k), volumetric shrinkage strain (VSS), and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests were conducted on all the samples. The results obtained indicated that the soil was classified as A-7-5(18) according to the American Association of States Highway and Transport Officials (AASHTO) classification system and Silt of high plasticity (MH) in accordance with the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS). It was observed that addition of RHA was accompanied with decrease in the plasticity index from 24 to as low as 3%. An improvement in the moisture-density relationship of the soils showed an increase in Maximum Dry Density (MDD) from 1.46 to 1.52 Mg/m3 as well as a decrease from 24.5 to 21.2% in OMC. The increase in RHA contents up to 10% brought about an improvement in the strength of the soil specimens by almost 332.4kN/m2 at 2% on the dry side of OMC. The VSS decreases with increase in RHA content to achieve the minimum shrinkage strain of 4.1% at 5% RHA treatment.
THE EFFECT OF QUARRY DUST WITH CEMENT BY-PRODUCTS ON PROPERTIES OF CONCRETE
Authors: Lee Abdullah Jaharatul Dini Karen , Ali Nazri , Mohamed Roslli Noor , Abdullahi Mohammed Muâ€™azu
Published: July 2024

The numerous demanding application of concrete is not readily met with Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) alone. To meet up the demand and as well as ensured the green concrete durability, it has becomes necessary to incorporate mineral additions with the best combination of others by-product as replacement to improve the performance without jeopardizing the strength of the concrete. In the construction industry, OPC cement and river sand are used as important building material making it scarce and limited. Whereas, as for the cement is well known as the biggest culprits for emitting carbon dioxide (CO2). Hence, partial replacement of cement becomes a necessity as well as natural sand in concrete by waste material or by-product without compromising the quality of the end product. Partial replacement with Ground Granulated Blast furnace Slag (GGBS), Fly Ash (PFA), Silica Fumes (SILICA) incorporates with 100% of Quarry Dust (QD) as sand replacement. The usage of 100% QD with OPC+PFA+SILICA (Mix 2) produced more durable concrete with good temperature control and better furnishing than with 100% river. In addition to the cost effect benefit, the reduction in depletion of river sand, addressing environment and sustainability issues, it is a valuable contribution in creating a green concrete.
A BATHYMETRY-BASED RESERVOIR SEDIMENTATION EVALUATION
Authors: Ogunlela Ayodele Olanrewaju , Omole Odunayo Babatunde , Olaniyi Yusuf Kamorudeen
Published: July 2024

Reservoir sedimentation is a serious problem that normally reduces the capacity of a dam (reservoir) for water storage over a given period of time. This can lead to insufficient availability of water for domestic uses, irrigation and hydropower. This study was conducted to determine the rate of sedimentation, sediment yield and the capacity of the University of Ilorin dam (Ilorin, Nigeria) between June 2007 and June 2014. Geographic Information System (GIS), Global Positioning System (GPS), canoe and lead-line techniques were used for the measurement of depth of the reservoir of the dam. Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was used to simulate the sediment yield. The initial capacity of the dam after construction in 2007 was 1.800 x 106 m3 but this capacity was reduced to 1.411 x 106 m3 in 2014 due to sedimentation. The sediment was found to be clay soil which covered 389,170 m3 of the reservoir and the mean bulk density of the clay soil sediment was 1139 kg/m3. The mean values of clay, silt and sand contents of the sediment yield were 46.5, 35.6 and 17.9 %, respectively. The annual sediment yield was high in the reservoir due to farming activities at the upstream end of the dam, annual rate of sedimentation was 12.78 m3/ha/yr and sediment yield was 14,557.14 kg/ha/yr. Farming activities should be prevented at the upstream of the dam and dredging should be done every 10 years when 30.87% of the storage capacity would be occupied by sediment.
MODELING DISSOLVED OXYGEN (DO) CONCENTRATION AT KAINJI HYDROPOWER RESERVOIR USING ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK
Authors: Mohammed Abdulrasaq Apalando , Sule Bolaji Fatai , Salami Adebayo Wahab , Adeogun Adeniyi Ganiyu
Published: July 2024

The objective of this study was to develop a multilayer perceptron neural network (MLPNN) and radial basic function neural network (RBFNN) model to predict the dissolved oxygen (DO) at some selected locations at the Kainji hydropower reservoir, Nigeria. The neural networks (NN) model was developed using water quality data collected over a six-year period (2010 to 2015). The NN structure was designed and trained using the SPSS neural network toolbox. The input variables to the NN were: pH, temperature, chloride (Cl-), PO43-, NO3-, Fe2+, and electrical conductivity (EC), while the output was the DO. The performance evaluation of the model was carried out using the coefficient of correlation (r), mean square error (MSE) and mean relative error (MRE). A positive correlation was observed between the actual and simulated DO at the four locations. The results of the simulation showed that the application of the NN and multiple regression analysis to predict DO concentration in water gave satisfactory results for all the selected locations using the two NN modeling approaches. Thus it has been demonstrated that NN modeling tools and multiple regression analysis are very efficient and useful for the computation of water quality parameters.
SEISMIC ASSESSMENT OF EXISTING BUILDING IN BANGLADESH USING JAPANESE INDEX METHOD
Authors: Mohammad Shams Wahid Chowdhury , Alam Md. Jahir , Islam Mohammad Rafiqul
Published: July 2024

Over the years buildings are constructed in earthquake prone areas without following proper seismic design code. So the structural seismic analysis of existing buildings in the earthquake prone areas will be a prime requirement in the field of civil engineering in near future. Also the structural seismic analysis will lead to the feasibility of application of earthquake retrofitting technique in the vulnerable structures. Currently the urbanization of metropolitan cities in Bangladesh is booming rapidly leading these cities to densely populated area. In the past, there has been vulnerability assessment done for building stock on several metropolitan cities, in most cases using rapid visual screening (RVS) method. But the lacking has always been there on a detailed structural vulnerability assessment. Considering these facts a study has to be done to estimate precisely the possible damage of a buildingâ€™s structure. In this study an in-depth structural seismic analysis of a medium rise building has been performed using all the 3 levels of Japanese Index Method. The Seismic Index (Is) value of the building is compared with the Seismic Demand Index (Iso) value which is 0.864 for the first level and 0.648 for the second and third level of the area to check vulnerability condition of the building structure. It is observed from this study that Japanese Index Method is developed in a way that it can be used for the seismic analysis of medium rise buildings in Bangladesh.
EXPLORING RUNOFF WATER QUALITY RESEARCH TRENDS IN MALAYSIA (2001-2023): A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS
Authors: M Muniandy Josilva
Published: July 2024

This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of runoff water quality research conducted in Malaysia from 2001 to 2023. Significant research has been done in the area of runoff water quality as a result of growing worries about water pollution and its effects on aquatic ecosystems and public health. Through the systematic review of academic literature, this study aims to identify the key trends, influential authors, institutions, and impactful research areas within the domain of Malaysian runoff water quality. Utilizing bibliometric techniques, including co-authorship, factorial analysis, and trend topic analysis, this research provides valuable insights into the evolution of runoff water quality research over the past two decades. This study explains the progression of research interests and contributions by examining publishing patterns, collaborations, and thematic emphasis. These insights provide a roadmap for future research directions and opportunities, aiding in the development of targeted strategies for addressing water pollution challenges in the country. Through the process of synthesizing and visualizing the collective knowledge produced in this subject, the present study facilitates the making of well-informed decisions and stimulates further progress in addressing the detrimental impacts of runoff water pollution on both the natural environment and human society
Crime e Vulnerabilidade Social: Impactos do Ensino Jurídico Brasileiro na Formação de Profissionais com Atuação na Área Criminal
Authors: Aparecida Arena Ventura Carla , De Paula Queiroz Bonato Patrícia , Naves dos Reis Leonardo , Hernandez Fernandes Raquel Helena , Sordi Carrara Bruna , Gonçalves Vaz de Oliveira Ricardo
Published: July 2024

Trata-se de estudo descritivo transversal, com abordagem de dados qualitativa, cujo objetivo foi compreender a percepção de profissionais que atuam na justiça criminal sobre o enfoque atribuído à vulnerabilidade social no ensino jurídico. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com profissionais que atuam na justiça criminal (policiais civis e militares), juízes, promotores de justiça e defensores públicos. A análise de conteúdo das entrevistas permitiu identificar duas categorias temáticas, sendo elas “Percepções dos profissionais da justiça criminal sobre sua atuação em relação às situações de vulnerabilidade social” e “Da formação jurídica no Brasil: estágio atual e possibilidades de evolução”. Os profissionais da justiça criminal têm consciência da realidade de vulnerabilidade social e dos contextos de vida das pessoas criminalizadas que estão nessa situação, mas reconhecem que a formação em direito está apartada da realidade social do país, assentando-se no dogmatismo da lei e com isso criando um abismo entre teoria e prática profissional, razões pelas quais o ensino jurídico deve ser reestruturado.
What Makes a Smart Bank: The Case of Brde, a Last-Mile Subnational Development Bank in Brazil
Authors: Lemos Leany Barreiro de Sousa
Published: July 2024

Development banks are considered mission-oriented financial institutions that must act to fill gaps and market failures, supporting innovation with long-term financing in order to play a fundamental role in smoothing the risks associated with boom and bust cycles. . The existence and role of public development banks have been discussed for more than a century. Thus, this work proposes a case study with the analysis of the Subnational Development Bank - BRDE, in which there is a reference based on authors who discuss regional development and, subsequently, the case of BRDE, with the aim of describing the operation of a small bank in an emerging economy, its strengths and challenges. Therefore, it was possible to conclude that banks that have, at the same time, clarity of vision and mission and alignment of programs, flexibility to adjust to economic and social reality, solid financial results, robust governance attributes and autonomy - professional and collegial governance multilevel that increases the costs of both undue political pressure and bad credit decisions. From a financing point of view, the bank stands out for its technical capacity, which are critical but are important institutions to reinforce that its capillarity and knowledge of the context and local markets are useful for development. Thus, these banks provide financial instruments to expand financing at local and micro-regional levels, directly or through commercial banks and cooperatives.
KEYWORDS: Regional development, banks, financial institutions, BRDE.
Sociedad Civil y Entidades del Tercer Sector
Authors: Santin Janaína Rigo
Published: July 2024

En la historia, la regulación de la orden social, política y económica se ha atribuido al Estado. Sin embargo, las demandas de este siglo XXI ya no pueden ser respondidas sólo por la acción estatal, especialmente después de la crisis generada por la pandemia Covid-19. Por lo tanto, se abre espacio para desempeño del tercer sector en áreas que eran sólo un monopolio estatal. Así, por el método lógico-deductivo, el artículo problematiza la marcha de la legislación brasileña para reducir el papel del Estado en la prestación de servicios públicos, especialmente en las áreas de salud y asistencia social.
Racionalidade Argumentativa no Supremo Tribunal Federal Durante a Pandemia de Covid-19
Authors: Toledo Cláudia , De Castilhos Ian Fernandes , De Souza Martins Baptista Flávia
Published: July 2024

Este artigo expõe os resultados e conclusões extraídos de pesquisa bibliográfica e jurisprudencial, que  investigou o grau de racionalidade das decisões prolatadas pelo Supremo Tribunal Federal (STF) sobre direito à saúde durante o primeiro ano da pandemia de COVID-19.  A investigação justifica-se pelo dever de fundamentação racional do Judiciário cuja legitimidade é argumentativa no Estado Democrático de Direito. Na primeira seção do artigo, é apresentada a tipologia argumentativa adotada, fundamentada no pensamento de Alexy e sua base em Habermas. Esta tipologia distingue os argumentos institucionais (leis, precedentes, doutrina), práticos gerais (pragmáticos, éticos, morais) e empíricos (relativos a fatos concretos e dados científicos). Na segunda seção, discorre-se sobre os tipos de racionalidade (lógica, substancial e discursiva) e seus respectivos critérios de satisfação (correção linguística, consistência, coerência e respeito às regras do discurso), com base no pensamento de Alexy, MacCormick, Aarnio, Peczenik e Atienza. Por fim, na terceira seção, apresentam-se os resultados da pesquisa empírica que avalia o grau de racionalidade das decisões do STF. Para esta avaliação examinaram-se a justificação interna e externa das decisões, os tipos de argumentos empregados e o grau de satisfação dos critérios avaliativos e dos tipos de racionalidade. Concluiu-se pela satisfação do dever de fundamentação racional nas decisões.
PGC-1α agonism induces fetal hemoglobin and exerts antisickling effects in sickle cell disease
Authors: Sun Yanan , Benmhammed Hajar , Al Abdullatif Salam , Habara Alawi , Fu Eric , Brady Jordan , Williams Christopher , Ilinski Adrian , Sharma Anusha , Mahdaviani Kiana , Alekseyev Yuriy O. , Campbell Joshua D. , Steinberg Martin H , Cui Shuaiying
Published: July 2024

Sickle cell disease is a growing health burden afflicting millions around the world. Clinical observation and laboratory studies have shown that the severity of sickle cell disease is ameliorated in individuals who have elevated levels of fetal hemoglobin. Additional pharmacologic agents to induce sufficient fetal hemoglobin to diminish clinical severity is an unmet medical need. We recently found that up-regulation of peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) can induce fetal hemoglobin synthesis in human primary erythroblasts. Here, we report that a small molecule, SR-18292, increases PGC-1α leading to enhanced fetal hemoglobin expression in human erythroid cells, β-globin yeast artificial chromosome mice, and sickle cell disease mice. In SR-18292–treated sickle mice, sickled red blood cells are significantly reduced, and disease complications are alleviated. SR-18292, or agents in its class, could be a promising additional therapeutic for sickle cell disease.
Multiplexed mapping of the interactome of GPCRs with receptor activity–modifying proteins
Authors: Kotliar Ilana B. , Bendes Annika , Dahl Leo , Chen Yuanhuang , Saarinen Marcus , Ceraudo Emilie , Dodig-Crnković Tea , Uhlén Mathias , Svenningsson Per , Schwenk Jochen M. , Sakmar Thomas P.
Published: July 2024

Receptor activity–modifying proteins (RAMPs) form complexes with G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) and may regulate their cellular trafficking and pharmacology. RAMP interactions have been identified for about 50 GPCRs, but only a few GPCR-RAMP complexes have been studied in detail. To elucidate a comprehensive GPCR-RAMP interactome, we created a library of 215 dual epitope-tagged (DuET) GPCRs representing all GPCR subfamilies and coexpressed each GPCR with each of the three RAMPs. Screening the GPCR-RAMP pairs with customized multiplexed suspension bead array (SBA) immunoassays, we identified 122 GPCRs that showed strong evidence for interaction with at least one RAMP. We screened for interactions in three cell lines and found 23 endogenously expressed GPCRs that formed complexes with RAMPs. Mapping the GPCR-RAMP interactome expands the current system-wide functional characterization of RAMP-interacting GPCRs to inform the design of selective therapeutics targeting GPCR-RAMP complexes.
Upscaling the production of sterile male mosquitoes with an automated pupa sex sorter
Authors: Gong Jun-Tao , Mamai Wadaka , Wang Xiaohua , Zhu Jian , Li Yongjun , Liu Julian , Tang Qixian , Huang Yuanhui , Zhang Jixin , Zhou Jiayi , Maiga Hamidou , Somda Nanwintoum Séverin Bimbilé , Martina Claudia , Kotla Simran Singh , Wallner Thomas , Bouyer Jérémy , Xi Zhiyong
Published: July 2024

Effective mosquito population suppression has been repeatedly demonstrated in field trials through the release of male mosquitoes to induce sterile mating with wild females using the incompatible insect technique (IIT), the sterile insect technique (SIT), or their combination. However, upscaling these techniques requires a highly efficient and scalable approach for the sex separation of mass-reared mosquitoes to minimize the unintentional release of females, which can lead to either population replacement or biting nuisance, a major bottleneck up to now. Here, we report the successful development of an automated mosquito pupa sex sorter that can effectively separate large numbers of males from females for population suppression of
Aedes aegypti
,
A. albopictus
, and
Culex quinquefasciatus
. The male production capacity of the automated sex sorter was increased by ~17-fold compared with manual sex separation with the Fay-Morlan sorter and enabled one person to separate 16 million males per week. With ~0.5% female contamination, the produced males exhibited high flight ability and mating performance. The field trial demonstrates that the quality of
A. albopictus
males produced using the automated sex sorter is suitable for inducing population suppression. These results indicate that the automated sex sorter offers the potential to upscale IIT and SIT against mosquito vectors for disease control.
Would robots really bother with a bloody uprising?
Authors: Murphy Robin R.
Published: July 2024

In the amusing 1982 novel
Software
, robots punish their human overlords by raising prices on longevity drugs and organ transplants.
Supplemental Material: 13C-enriched carbonate precipitates reveal intense methanogenic oil degradation in the upper Wuerhe Formation, Northwest China
Authors: Liu Wendong , Hu Wenxuan , al. et
Published: July 2024

Samples and methods, Figures S1–S12, and Tables S1–S9.  
Clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of non-malignant pleural effusions in hospitalised patients: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Danni , Niu Yue , Ma Yangyang , Tang Li , Zhang Qingtao , Zhang Li , Sun Xuefeng , Mei Yan , Cai Guangyan , Chen Xiangmei , Li Ping
Published: July 2024

Objective

Non-malignant pleural effusions (NMPE) are common in hospitalised patients. Data on NMPE inpatients are scarce and the factors influencing the prognosis are unknown.

Design

This was a retrospective cohort study.

Setting and participants

We conducted a retrospective cohort of inpatients (n=86 645) admitted to the Chinese PLA General Hospital from 2018 to 2021, based on electronic medical records. The observations of 4934 subjects with effusions confirmed by chest radiological tests (CT or X-ray) without a diagnosis of malignancy were followed during admission. Logistic regression was used to analyse organ damage and other factors associated with in-hospital death. Patients were clustered according to their laboratory indicators, and the association between the clustering results and outcomes was studied.

Outcome

The outcome of this study was in-hospital mortality.

Results

Among 4934 patients, heart failure + pneumonia + renal dysfunction was the most common (15.12%) among 100 different diagnostic groups. 318 (6.4%) patients died during hospitalisation. Lung (OR 3.70, 95% CI 2.42 to 5.89), kidney (OR 2.88, 95% CI 2.14 to 3.90) and heart (1.80, 95% CI 1.29 to 2.55) damage were associated with in-hospital mortality. Hierarchical clustering of laboratory indicators (estimated glomerular filtration rate, white blood cell count, platelet count, haemoglobin, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, serum albumin) demonstrated the ability to discriminate patients at high risk of in-hospital death.

Conclusion

Comorbidities and multiorgan failure are the prominent characteristics of NMPE patients, which increase the risk of in-hospital mortality, and comprehensive intervention for specific comorbidity patterns is suggested.
RecurIndex-Guided postoperative radiotherapy with or without Avoidance of Irradiation of regional Nodes in 1–3 node-positive breast cancer (RIGAIN): a study protocol for a multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled prospective, phase III trial
Authors: Liu Jing , Tan Yuting , Bi Zhuofei , Huang Suning , Zhang Na , Zhang An-du , Zhao Lina , Wang Yu , Liang Zibin , Hou Yu , Xu Xiangying , Chen Jianying , Wang Fei , Lan Xiaowen , Lin Xiao , Zhang Xiaoxue , Zhou Wenyi , Ye Xuting , Guo Jian-gui , Wang Xiaohong , Ding Ran , Chen Jiayi , Huang Xiaobo
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Postoperative radiotherapy in patients with breast cancer with one to three lymph node metastases, particularly within the pT1–2N1M0 cohort with a low clinical risk of local–regional recurrence (LRR), has incited a discourse surrounding personalised treatment strategies. Multigene testing for Recurrence Index (RecurIndex) model capably differentiates patients based on their level of LRR risk. This research aims to validate whether a more aggressive treatment approach can enhance clinical outcomes in N1 patients who possess a clinically low risk of LRR, yet a high RecurIndex-determined risk of LRR. Specifically, this entails postoperative whole breast irradiation combined with regional lymph node irradiation (RNI) following breast-conserving surgery or chest wall irradiation with RNI after mastectomy.

Methods and analysis

The RIGAIN (RecurIndex-Guided postoperative radiotherapy with or withoutAvoidance ofIrradiation of regionalNodes in 1–3 node-positive breast cancer) Study is a multicentre, prospective, randomised, open-label, phase III clinical trial that is being conducted in China. In this study, patients with low clinical LRR risk but high RecurIndex-LRR risk are randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the experimental group or the control group. In the experimental group, RNI is performed and the control group omits RNI. Efficacy and safety analyses will be conducted, enrolling a total of 540 patients (270 per group). The primary endpoint is invasive disease-free survival, and secondary endpoints include any first recurrence, LRR-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival, recurrence-free survival, overall survival, disease-free survival, breast cancer-specific mortality and assessment of patient quality of life. The study began in April 2023 and with a follow-up period of 60 months after the last participant completes radiation therapy.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University (SYSKY-2022-097-02, V.3.1). It adheres to the Helsinki Declaration and Good Clinical Practice. Research findings will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT04069884.
Schizophrenia, antipsychotic treatment adherence and driver responsibility for motor vehicle crash: a population-based retrospective study in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Staples John A , Daly-Grafstein Daniel , Khan Mayesha , Pei Lulu X , Erdelyi Shannon , Rezansoff Stefanie N , Chan Herbert , Honer William G , Brubacher Jeffrey R
Published: July 2024

Objective

To examine the relationship between schizophrenia, antipsychotic medication adherence and driver responsibility for motor vehicle crash.

Design

Retrospective observational cohort study using 20 years of population-based administrative health and driving data.

Setting

British Columbia, Canada.

Participants

Licensed drivers who were involved in a police-attended motor vehicle crash in British Columbia over a 17-year study interval (2000–16).

Exposures

Incident schizophrenia was identified using hospitalisation and physician services data. Antipsychotic adherence was estimated using prescription fill data to calculate the ‘medication possession ratio’ (MPR) in the 30 days prior to crash.

Primary outcome measures

We deemed drivers ‘responsible’ or ‘non-responsible’ for their crash by applying a validated scoring tool to police-reported crash data. We used logistic regression to evaluate the association between crash responsibility and exposures of interest.

Results

Our cohort included 808 432 drivers involved in a police-attended crash and for whom crash responsibility could be established. In total, 1689 of the 2551 drivers with schizophrenia and 432 430 of the 805 881 drivers without schizophrenia were deemed responsible for their crash, corresponding to a significant association between schizophrenia and crash responsibility (66.2% vs 53.7%; adjusted OR (aOR), 1.67; 95% CI, 1.53 to 1.82; p<0.001). The magnitude of this association was modest relative to established crash risk factors (eg, learner license, age ≥65 years, impairment at time of crash). Among the 1833 drivers with schizophrenia, near-optimal antipsychotic adherence (MPR ≥0.8) in the 30 days prior to crash was not associated with lower crash responsibility (aOR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.83 to 1.30; p=0.55).

Conclusions

Crash-involved drivers with schizophrenia are more likely to be responsible for their crash, but the magnitude of risk is similar to socially acceptable risk factors such as older age or possession of a learner license. Contemporary driving restrictions for individuals with schizophrenia appear to adequately mitigate road risks, suggesting more stringent driving restrictions are not warranted.
How is momentary well-being and stress associated in persons with spinal cord injury and their romantic partners? A study protocol for a dyadic everyday life study
Authors: Lüscher Janina , Lüthi Simone
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Very little is known about daily life dynamics and mutual influences that tie together well-being and psychobiological stress responses in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) and their romantic partners in particular. The role of social support and physical activity in the associations between emotional well-being and stress has not been investigated in the context of SCI yet and studies applying a dyadic approach, exploring the role of a romantic partner, are currently unavailable. The overall objective is thus to better understand the interplay between emotional well-being and the psychobiological stress marker cortisol, and to investigate the potentially moderating role of social support and physical activity in the well-being–stress association among persons with SCI and their romantic partners using a dyadic perspective.

Methods and analysis

The stRess and Health Among romantic couPles with Spinal cOrD injurY study, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (10001C_204739), aims to recruit N=150 community-dwelling persons with SCI and their romantic partners including three phases of data collection. The first phase includes a baseline questionnaire. The second phase, the time sampling phase, comprises an ecological momentary assessment design in the everyday life of couples where both partners provide concurrent salivary cortisol samples five times a day and complete assessments four times a day over seven consecutive days. Wrist-worn accelerometers record physical activity during this period. The third phase is an observational study in the laboratory, where a couples’ discussion on the SCI management in their everyday life is recorded and coded to identify a couple-specific coping with SCI to enrich data. The dyadic data will be analysed using multilevel modelling, based on the actor−partner interdependence model framework.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the ethics committee of Northwest and Central Switzerland (2022–01072) and findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
Coping strategies used by informal family caregivers of individuals living with mental illness in the Upper East Region of Ghana: a qualitative study
Authors: Daliri Dennis Bomansang , Aninanya Gifty Apiung , Laari Timothy Tienbia , Abagye Nancy , Afaya Agani
Published: July 2024

Background

Caregivers’ responsibilities for caring for individuals living with mental illness have grown in the last three decades, owing mostly to the transition of mental health treatment from institutions to community-based psychiatric services. Due to the burden that ensues with caring for individuals living with mental illness, many caregivers adopt different strategies to deal with the challenges.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the coping strategies of informal family caregivers of individuals living with mental illness in the Upper East Region of Ghana.

Design

The study adopted a descriptive qualitative study design. Fitheen informal family caregivers were purposively sampled from two hospitals in the Upper East Region of Ghana

Setting and participants

The study was conducted in the Upper East Region of Ghana among informal family caregivers of individuals living with mental illness.

Results

Four themes emerged from the analysis of the data including self-motivation, religious coping, social support and engagement in leisure activities. While some family caregivers received support from family members, most of them were self-motivated, resorted to prayer, kept faith in God and engaged in leisure activities to cope with the burden of caregiving.

Conclusion

Informal family caregivers experience several challenges and therefore adopt different strategies to cope with the burden of caregiving. They require psychoeducation to understand the burden and to adapt acceptable coping mechanisms.
Associations of the staffing structure of intensive care units and high care units on in-hospital mortality among patients with sepsis: a cross-sectional study of Japanese nationwide claims data
Authors: Umegaki Takeshi , Nishimoto Kota , Kamibayashi Takahiko
Published: July 2024

Objective

The objective was to analyse the associations of intensive care unit (ICU) and high care unit (HCU) organisational structure on in-hospital mortality among patients with sepsis in Japan’s acute care hospitals.

Design

Multicentre cross-sectional study.

Settings

Patients with sepsis aged ≥18 years who received critical care in acute care hospitals throughout Japan between April 2018 and March 2019 were identified using the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups of Japan (NDB).

Interventions

None.

Participants

10 968 patients with sepsis were identified. ICUs were categorised into three groups: type 1 ICUs (fulfilling stringent staffing criteria such as experienced intensivists and high nurse-to-patient ratios), type 2 ICUs (less stringent criteria) and HCUs (least stringent criteria).

Primary outcome measure

The study’s primary outcome measure was in-hospital mortality. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to examine the impact of ICU/HCU groups on in-hospital mortality.

Results

We analysed 2411 patients (178 hospitals) in the type 1 ICU group, 3653 patients (422 hospitals) in the type 2 ICU group and 4904 patients (521 hospitals) in the HCU group. When compared with the type 1 ICU group, the adjusted HRs for in-hospital mortality were 1.12 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.21) for the type 2 ICU group and 1.17 (95% CI 1.08 to 1.26) for the HCU group.

Conclusion

ICUs that fulfil more stringent staffing criteria were associated with lower in-hospital mortality among patients with sepsis than HCUs. Differences in organisational structure may have an association with outcomes in patients with sepsis, and this was observed by the NDB.
Safety of intracranial venous stenting in patients with nickel allergy
Authors: McGrath Margaret , Clarke Julian , Midtlien Jackson P , Fargen Kyle M , Ali Haider , Amans Matthew R , Hui Ferdinand , Brinjikji Waleed , Levitt Michael R
Published: July 2024

Background

Nickel hypersensitivity is the most common metal related allergy. Nickel containing alloys are frequently used in endovascular devices. The use of intracranial stents in patients with nickel hypersensitivity appears to be safe, but these small series only evaluated arterial stent placement. This case series aimed to assess the safety of intracranial venous stent placement in patients with documented nickel allergy.

Methods

In this retrospective multicenter case series, patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension and documented nickel allergy underwent treatment with a permanently implanted nickel containing stent in the dural venous sinuses.

Results

Nine patients with nickel allergy were included. All patients reported clinical improvement in their idiopathic intracranial hypertension symptoms. Of the five patients who had follow-up intracranial venous imaging, all stents remained patent. No patients experienced intraoperative, postoperative, or long term procedure related complications, with follow-up ranging from 1.8 weeks to 49.1 months.

Conclusion

In this limited case series, the use of nickel containing stents in intracranial venous sinuses in patients with nickel allergy did not result in any allergic reaction or adverse outcome.
Home-based telerehabilitation in multiple sclerosis: a scoping review
Authors: Shirozhan Shima , Rafiee-Vardanjani Leila , Motie Mahdieh , Mohamadi Shamaneh
Published: July 2024

Background

Introducing home-based telerehabilitation (TR) approaches helps clinical experts to choose appropriate and effective interventions and researchers identify knowledge gaps to design clinical trial studies and systematic reviews.

Purpose

This study aimed to review the knowledge of home-based TR in multiple sclerosis.

Method

This scoping review study was conducted based on Arksey and O'Malley’s five-step approach. The Embase, PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Sciences, Scopus and ProQuest databases were searched in 2017–2024 to find full-text English-language articles.

Findings

In 25 studies reviewed, various and extensive home-based interventions have been used in physical and cognitive aspects.

Conclusion

Home-based rehabilitation is applicable, useful, safe and affordable, maintains the continuity of the rehabilitation process and increases patients’ adherence to the rehabilitation programme. However, there are challenges such as patients’ lack of familiarity with technology and limitations of outcome measurement tools that should be addressed in future studies.
Explosives Detection Using Octanethiol Gold Nanoparticle Inkjet Printed Devices
Authors: Hossain Md Delowar , Grasso John , Willis Brian G.
Published: July 2024

This study focuses on implementing 1-octanethiol gold nanoparticles (OT-AuNPs) as chemiresistive sensors and comparing fabrication by inkjet-printing with conventional drop-casting to detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and explosives including HMTD, PETN, KClO3, TATP, RDX, TNT, and UN. Inkjet-printing technology potentially offers more controlled deposition of OT-AuNPs and more uniform sensor properties compared to a drop-casting process. Using inkjet-printing, we found that a minimum of 600 OT-AuNPs printed layers with 2.4[Formula: see text]pL drop volume, 9 drops per layer, and 60[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m drop spacing was sufficient to reduce chemiresistor device baseline resistances to around [Formula: see text] and obtain more consistent responses. By contrast, 12[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]L OT-AuNPs drop-casting yielded device resistances spread over a range of [Formula: see text] due to uneven deposition. For inkjet-printed devices, higher response magnitudes with lower variability were achieved for explosive vapor detection whereas a larger spread was observed for drop casting. The improved uniformity of baseline resistances and sensor responses indicates inkjet-printed devices were more reproducible and repeatable than drop-casting. In addition, inkjet-printing consumes lower amounts of OT-AuNPs for material and cost savings. The results demonstrate that inkjet-printed devices are promising for use in sensor arrays to fabricate electronic noses for VOCs and explosives detection.
Micro-Nanostructured Polymeric Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Abdulmalik Sama , Wijekoon Suranji , Danazumi Khadija Basiru , Srinivasan Sai Sadhananth , Vobbineni Laxmi , Obopilwe Elifho , Kumbar Sangamesh G.
Published: July 2024

While bone tissue allograft and autograft are commonly used in bone healing, their application is limited by factors such as availability, donor site morbidity, and immune response to the grafted tissue. Tissue-engineered implants, such as acellular or cellular polymeric structures, offer a promising alternative, and are a current trend in tissue engineering. Leveraging recent advancements in bone tissue engineering (BTE), we utilize 3D printing to develop biodegradable scaffolds that combine mechanical strength and bioactivity to facilitate bone repair and regeneration. This study focuses on the design and fabrication of mechanically competent 3D printed poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA) micro-structured scaffolds. These scaffolds are enhanced with collagen type I nanofibrils to create bioactive scaffolds that promote tissue regeneration. The performance of these mechanically competent, micro-nanostructured polymeric matrices, in combination with bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), is evaluated in PLLA and PLLA-collagen scaffolds. The resulting micro-nanostructured PLLA-Collagen scaffolds mimic trabecular bone architecture, mechanical strength, and the extracellular matrix environment found in native bone tissue. The composite PLLA-collagen scaffolds exhibit mechanical properties in the mid-range of human trabecular bone. Both PLLA and PLLA-Collagen scaffolds support human BMSCs adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation. A significantly higher number of implanted host cells are distributed in the PLLA-Collagen scaffolds with greater bone density, more uniform cell distribution, and attachment compared to the PLLA microstructure. Additionally, the biomimetic collagen nanostructure potently induces osteogenic transcription evidenced by increased alkaline phosphatase activity and upregulation of bone markers such as sialoprotein and collagen type I, ultimately guiding stem cell-mediated formation of a mature, mineralized bone matrix throughout the interconnected scaffold pores. This study underscores the benefits of micro-nanostructured scaffolds in successfully generating the inductive microenvironment of native bone extracellular matrix, triggering the cascade of cellular events required for functional bone regeneration, repairing critical-sized bone defects, and ultimately serving as an alternative material platform for bone regeneration, thereby instilling confidence in the potential of our research.
COMPLEX DYNAMICAL BEHAVIORS OF A DISCRETE MODIFIED LESLIE–GOWER PREDATOR–PREY MODEL WITH PREY HARVESTING
Authors: ZHAO MING , SUN YAJIE , DU YUNFEI
Published: July 2024

Recently, the research on the modified Leslie–Gower model has become an appealing topic. Due to economic efficiency and the complexity of discrete models, we investigate a discrete modified Leslie–Gower predator–prey model with prey harvesting in this paper. The stability of fixed points and bifurcations of the interior fixed points are studied. According to bifurcation theory and normal forms, we derived the conditions of codimension 2 bifurcations occurred, including 1:1 strong resonance bifurcation and fold-flip bifurcation. These two bifurcations are unusual in bifurcation analysis on discrete systems. In addition, the continuation curves, bifurcation diagrams, and phase diagrams are used to demonstrate theoretical results. Our study shows the interesting dynamics of this model that are very different from the continuous one.
The Long and Winding Road to Mid-Career Academia
Authors: Bonifati Angela
Published: July 2024

I am extremely excited to contribute to this series and I would like to thank Tamer for giving me this great opportunity. When I started my PhD in Italy at the end of the nineties, it was still the time when you felt intimidated by your PhD advisor and, in general, by senior colleagues when you meet them at conferences. I did not imagine becoming one of them in a few years. Indeed, I remember that the first scientific event that I ever attended was the EDBT Summer School in La Baule-les-Pins (France)1 in 1999. I was a first year PhD student at that time, and I was meticulously attending all the lectures, taking notes and working on them during my free time. I learned over the years that an equally important part of conferences are the social interactions, the networking activities and the hobnobbing. When a senior colleague pitches an idea to you, you can agree or not agree. It is time to fight back with proper arguments! All along during our careers, we strive to reach independent critical thinking.
Plug-and-Play Physical Computing and Device Prototyping with Jacdac
Authors: Devine James , Hodges Steve , Ball Thomas , Moskal Michał , de Halleux Peli , D'Amone Gabriele , Gakure David , Finney Joe , Underwood Lorraine , Hartley Kobi , Oppenheim Matt , Kos Paul
Published: July 2024

Physical computing involves the creation of interactive digital devices that sense and respond to the world around them [1]. Typically, sensors, actuators and communications modules are connected to a microcontroller (MCU) running code that maps sensed inputs into outputs such as lighting, sound and electro-mechanical actuation [7]. This prototyping process builds on a wide range of disciplines including electronics, mechatronics, computer science and software development. It's typically experimental, creative and highly iterative.
Evaluation of Heat Stability of Camel Milk (Sterilized and Nonevaporated)
Authors: Al-Zoreky Najeeb S. , Almathen Faisal S. , Al hashedi Sallah A. , AL-Farga Ammar
Published: July 2024

The study evaluated the thermal stability of sterilized camel milk. The sterilized product was obtained from raw milk containing 9.11 ± 0.57% nonfat solids and 2.83 ± 0.45% fat. Disodium/dipotassium hydrogen phosphate (Na2HPO4 or K2HPO4), sodium citrate (SC), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA, disodium), sodium chloride (NaCl), and gum arabic (GA) were evaluated for their effects as thermal stabilizers of camel milk (CAM). Stabilizers were separately added to pasteurized camel milk (pH 6.67) followed by the in‐container sterilization (115°C, 20 min). Phosphate salts afforded thermal stability (sediment test) when added to camel milk at 13 mM final concentration. During storage for four weeks at 21°C, the pH values of stabilized camel milk were 6.40−5.67, depending on the type and concentration of stabilizers. While nonstabilized (control) CAM showed substantial sediments during storage periods at ambient conditions (21°C), stabilized and sterilized CAM had no sediments reflecting one of the good quality characteristics (no sediments) of CAM. Color changes (ΔE∗) in stored sterilized camel milk were below 2.3. It could be concluded that nonevaporated CAM could be made from CAM stabilized with Na2HPO4 or K2HPO4. This is the first study on the thermal stability of nonevaporated camel milk.
A Secondary Data Study of Frontline Nurses’ and Nursing Managers’ Assessed Stress Levels during the Second COVID‐19 Wave
Authors: Schoberer Daniela , Bauer Silvia , Schuettengruber Gerhilde , Reiter Lea , Hoedl Manuela
Published: July 2024

Background. Nursing managers were often required to take on dual roles as managers and staff nurses due to nurse shortages during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to compare the perceived stress levels among frontline nursing staff and nursing managers. Methods. This secondary data analysis relied upon 1643 data extracted from two online surveys between November 2020 and March 2021. A convenience sample of Austrian frontline nurses and managers from hospitals and nursing homes was used. In addition to demographics, we collected data using the German version of the Perceived Stress Scale. Results. Frontline nurses of both settings experienced statistically significant higher levels of stress and higher levels of helplessness as well as self‐efficacy than their respective managers. Most participants perceived moderate to high stress levels during the second wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Austria. Conclusions. These findings underline the urgency for stress‐reducing interventions as well as for fostering emergency trainings/response strategies for frontline nurses and nursing managers. Moreover, our findings provide hospital managers and health professionals with specific evidence to increase awareness of the dual tasks of nursing managers and to enable them to prepare strategies for future pandemics.
Supplementary Data from Phase I/Ib Clinical Trial of Sabatolimab, an Anti–TIM-3 Antibody, Alone and in Combination with Spartalizumab, an Anti–PD-1 Antibody, in Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Curigliano Giuseppe , Gelderblom Hans , Mach Nicolas , Doi Toshihiko , Tai David , Forde Patrick M. , Sarantopoulos John , Bedard Philippe L. , Lin Chia-Chi , Hodi F. Stephen , Wilgenhof Sofie , Santoro Armando , Sabatos-Peyton Catherine A. , Longmire Tyler A. , Xyrafas Alexandros , Sun Haiying , Gutzwiller Sabine , Manenti Luigi , Naing Aung
Published: July 2024

Supplementary Materials