bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Manufacture and Combustion Characteristics of Cellulose Flame- retardant Plate by Hot-press Method
Authors: Hwang Jeo , Park Dongin , Rie Dongho
Published: October 2023

This study focuses on the increased risk of high heat release and asphyxiation (toxic gas poisoning) in the event of a fire of polyurethane (PU) and MDF-based building materials, which are commonly used in building fires. Among them, polyurethane (PU) building materials are essential for buildings except in Europe and some other countries due to their excellent thermal insulation performance, but problems of short-term heat release and spread of toxic gases in the event of a fire continue to occur. To overcome these problems, researchers are actively working on introducing various flame retardants into building materials. Therefore, in this study, we produced a laboratory-sized (500mm*500mm) plate flame retardant board that can be utilized as a building material with a lower heat release rate and a lower toxicity index by mixing expanded graphite and ceramic binder as flame retardants in a main material based on the cellulose of waste paper by replacing the existing building materials with a hot-press method. According to the ISO-5660-1 test on the heat release rate of the plate flame retardant board, the THR value was 2.9 (MJ/m2) for 10 minutes, showing an effect of reducing the THR value by 36.3 (MJ/m2) compared to the THR value of 39.2 (MJ/m2) of the specimen made using only paper. In addition, the toxicity index of the flame retardant board was checked through the NES 713 test. As a result, the test specimen showed a toxicity index of 0.7, which is 2.4 lower than the toxicity index of 3.1 of MDF, which is utilized as a conventional building material. Based on the results of this study, the cellulose fire retardant board showed the effect of reducing the heat release rate and toxicity index of building materials in a building fire, which reduces the risk of rapid heat spread and smoke toxicity. This has the potential to improve the evacuation time (A-SET) of evacuees in fires. It is also important to show that recycling waste paper and utilizing it as the main material for building materials can be an alternative in terms of sustainable development.
Cloud Characteristics and Their Effects on Solar Irradiance According to the ICON Model, CLOUDNET and BSRN Observations
Authors: Shuvalova Julia , Chubarova Natalia , Shatunova Marina
Published: October 2023

We investigated the liquid water path and global solar irradiance at ground (Q) according to the ICON model, CLOUDNET measurements in Lindenberg, Munich, Jülich, and BSRN observations in Lindenberg. The liquid water path is underestimated, while global irradiance is overestimated. The lower liquid water path is due to liquid water content underestimation practically in all atmosphere layers and lower frequency of liquid clouds occurrence compare to observations. The latter is partly associated with a reduced model’ sensitivity to the cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). An increase in CCN from 250 cm-3 (typical background value for the region of interest) to 1700 cm-3 (characteristic of polluted continental clouds) leads to an increase in grid-scale liquid water path by 40% and a decrease in Q under overcast conditions by 12%. However, we also showed that liquid water path is not a key factor of Q overestimation. The main factor is an inaccurate description of the cloud spatial structure, where the correct prediction of the direct to global irradiance ratio as a spatial characteristic of clouds plays the most important role compared to standard cloud fraction.
A Spatial Autoregressive Panel Analysis of the Proportion of Young Adults Living with Their Parents in Sweden
Authors: Wilhelmsson Mats Håkan
Published: October 2023

This study investigates why young adults live with their parents in Sweden. As young adults’ living arrangements affect decisions about marriage, education, childbirth, and participation in the workforce, more knowledge for policy makers is crucial to implementing effective policies to support young adults and promote financial independence and well-being. Using a data set from 1998 to 2021 at the municipal level in Sweden, we used a spatial autoregressive panel data model to examine the proportion of young adults living at home and regional disparities. The study uncovers intraregional variations, illustrating how different municipalities within Sweden exhibit different patterns of young adults living at home. Our findings reveal that economic factors, such as unemployment, significantly impact this pattern. The dynamics of the housing market, demographic factors, cultural differences, and location-specific characteristics also play an essential role in explaining this pattern. The findings suggest that the key drivers are the lack of rental housing, high unemployment rates, a high degree of urbanisation, interregional migration, and lack of social capital.
Isolation and Characterization of Bacteriocin Producing Enterococcus species from Ethiopian Traditional Fermented Food and Beverages
Authors: Amenu Dessalegn Delesa , Bacha Professor Ketema B
Published: October 2023

The study aimed to isolate and characterize bacteriocin-producing Enterococcus species from Ethiopian traditional fermented foods and beverages. The bacteriocin bioassay was tested against food-borne pathogens at various temperatures, pH, solvents, additives, and enzymes. A solvent extraction method was established to concentrate bacteriocins from Enterococcus species. The study found that crude extracts with proteinase K, pepsin, and trypsin deactivated antimicrobial activity, confirming their proteinaceous nature. Organic solvents were more effective at extracting bacteriocins from CFS, with chloroform alone and in combination providing rapid and efficient recovery. The optimal bacteriocin production and strong inhibition activity were achieved at 37°C with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5 incubated for 16-18 hours. The six Enterococcus faecium species were the best bacteriocin-producing isolates. Optimizing bacteriocin production and changing environmental growing circumstances can enhance the application of bacteriocins as food preservation agents. Traditional fermented products are potential sources of bacteriocin-producing LAB.
Chemical Composition of Essential Oils and Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extracts from Cambodian Spices
Authors: Vihanova Katerina , Urbanova Klara , Nguon Samnang , Ladislav Kokoska
Published: October 2023

Cambodian spices Amomum kravanh, Citrus hystrix and Piper nigrum 'Kampot' have long history of seasoning of food products. In this study, essential oils (EOs) and supercritical CO2 extracts from all three species have been analyzed using GC-MS with two columns of different polarity, whereas EO and CO2 extract from P. nigrum fruits and CO2 extract from the peel of C. hystrix have been isolated and analyzed for the first time. The results showed that A. kravanh EO contained mostly eucalyptol (78.8/ 72.6 %), while CO2 extract was rich in oleic acid (29.26 %) and tricosane (14.74 %). C. hystrix EO was rich in β-pinene (29.95/29.45 %), followed by D-limonene (24.54/23.24 %) and sabinene (9.94/10.23 %). β-pinene (30.2/28.9 %), D-limonene (23.99/23.74 %) and sabinene (13.36/19.55 %) were also predominant in the CO2 extracts. β-Caryophyllene was the main constituent of both EO and CO2 extract from P. nigrum 'Kampot' with contents ranging from 37.84 to 55.84 %, followed by 3-carene (from 7.18 to 18.72 %). Such findings suggest that supercritical CO2 can potentially be used for extraction of all three Cambodian spices. Nevertheless, further research determining the most efficient extraction parameters will be needed before its application in the spice processing practice.
Pengaruh Model Pembelajaran Kontekstual Berbantuan Media Monopoli Terhadap Hasil Belajar IPS Kelas V SD 3 Padurenan
Authors: Bayu Radya Wisnu , Fajrie Nur , Ardana Riswari Lovika
Published: October 2023

Pembelajaran yang dilaksanakan di kelas V SD 3 Padurenan, guru masih menggunakan metode ceramah (teacher centered), kurangnya penggunaan media pembelajaran dan rendahnya minat belajar sehingga dapat mempengaruhi hasil belajar siswa. Sesuai dengan permasalahan tersebut, maka tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mendeskripsikan pengaruh model pembelajaran kontekstual berbantuan media monopoli terhadap hasil belajar IPS siswa sekolah dasar. Pendekatan penelitian ini adalah menggunakan pendekatan penelitian kuantitatif dengan metode Pra-Eksperimental. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah seluruh siswa kelas V SD 3 Padurenan tahun pelajaran 2022/2023. Sampel dalam penelitian ini menggunakan teknik purposive sampling. Sampel yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah 15 siswa kelas V. Teknik pengumpulan data dalam penelitian ini adalah tes, wawancara, observasi dan dokumentasi. Teknik analisis data dalam penelitian ini menggunakan. Teknik pengumpulan data dengan cara tes, observasi dan dokumentasi. Uji analisis dapat dilakukan dengan uji t dengan mengukur uji normalitas terlebih dahulu. Sedangkan pada tes analisis N-gain score hasil belajar IPS diketahui siswa memperoleh hasil sebesar 61, hal ini menunjukkan kategori “cukup efektif”. Jadi, dapat disimpulkan bahwa dengan menggunakan model pembelajaran kontekstual berbantuan media monopoli maka kegiatan pembelajaran akan efektif dan hasil belajar akan meningkat.
Lithospheric Structure and Extensional Style of the Red Sea Rift Segments
Authors: Sreenidhi Kuruvamana Satheeshbabu , Radhakrishna Munukutla , Betts Peter G.
Published: October 2023

The Red Sea provides an opportunity to study the processes during the transition from continental rifting to early-stage seafloor spreading during ocean initiation. We delineate variations of lithospheric architecture and the nature of extension along the Red Sea region through joint interpretation of gravity and geoid anomalies and gravity-topography transfer functions. We use lithospheric-scale models to compare stretching factors with upper mantle gravity anomaly, residual mantle Bouguer anomaly, and effective elastic thickness. Based on our observations, the Red Sea is divided into four segments; each having distinct lithospheric characteristics and stretching styles. These are: (i) southernmost Red Sea and Danakil having regionally weak and stretched lithosphere, (ii) southern Red Sea with fully developed seafloor spreading and asymmetric lithospheric architecture, (iii) central Red Sea having discontinuous magma accretion with newly formed seafloor spreading, and (iv) northern Red sea with a stronger lithosphere and limited stretching revealing a stage of continental rifting. In these segments, lithospheric stretching correlates with regions of weak lithosphere, including a regime of sublithospheric plume channel beneath the southern Red Sea. The Zabargad fracture zone between the central and northern segments is revealed as a major lithosphere-scale boundary that may act as a barrier to the propagation of seafloor spreading into the northern Red Sea. The weak and highly stretched lithosphere in this region may indicate the onset of a new spreading cell. Our results conclude that the evolution of the Red Sea is more complex than the previously suggested kinematic models of simple “unzipping” and illustrate that several extensional styles can exist within different segments during the initial stages of ocean formation.
Techno-Economic Review of Pyrolysis and Gasification Plants for Thermochemical Recovery of Plastic Waste and Economic Viability Assessment of Small-Scale Implementation
Authors: Tomić Tihomir , Slatina Iva , Schneider Daniel R.
Published: October 2023

Polymers used in the production of consumer products become a part of municipal waste streams after reaching the end of their useful lifespan, but also before even reaching markets, as rejects, scraps, and/or industry by-products as a part of industrial waste streams. Suitability for recovery of industrial wastes differs significantly and needs to be analyzed separately. In this research, a review of the techno-economic parameters of existing recovery plants is done. Dependences between economic and technological parameters, sizes, and types of plants, as well as the composition of input material, are derived. Based on the presented data, a techno-economic analysis of the small-scale implementation of thermochemical recovery plants, for industry-generated residual plastic waste fraction, is conducted. Results show that thermochemical conversion of industrial plastic waste cannot be economically viable on a small scale without a gate-fee. Pyrolysis plants brake even gate-fee is on the level of over 50/86 €/t, while treating only 51%/28% of residual waste, due to strict restrictions regarding feedstock composition. In the case of gasification, it is on the level of 70 €/t, while treating 92% of available waste. Pyrolysis is the only viable solution for treating up to 12 TPD after which gasification also becomes a viable option. Usual capacities are up to 25/100 TPD for pyrolysis/gasification, after which incineration-based technologies need to be considered. The presented results provide decision-makers with a good overview of alternative thermochemical conversion technologies, their technical characteristics, limitations, and possible economic outcomes of their implementation.
Cultivation of Chlorella vulgaris in wastewater: Biodiesel potential and wastewater remediation
Authors: Sarpal Amarjit S. , Teixeira Cláudia M. L. L. , COSTA Ingrid C. R
Published: October 2023

The present investigation has evaluated the use of effluents from a secondary municipal wastewater treatment plant for biomass production and the potential of the biomasses for biodiesel production. Cultivations of Chlorella vulgaris using wastewater, wastewater with supplementation and WC medium were carried out. Effect of wastewater collected in different months on biomass productivity and lipid composition was studied. The applicability of cultures produced with effluents in consecutive cultivations as inoculate were evaluated. NMR and GC-MS results were used for determining the composition of the lipids and their fatty acid profile including PUFAs. The product potential including biodiesel of the biomasses generated was also assessed. The results showed that it was possible to attain very reasonable biomass productivities (38.9 mgL− 1d− 1) using this kind of wastewater without supplementation. Also, the use of the cultures produced in these media proved to be adequate as inoculates in consecutive cultivations. Lipids extracted are comprising of both neutral (TAG, FFA) and polar (glyco glycero/phospho). The triacyl glycerides (TAG) content of the extracted lipids was determined in the range of 22.5–41.3%w/w. NMR and GC-MS results showed potential for microalgal lipids from biomasses cultivated in different wastewaters (collected in different moments) mainly without supplementation, for biodiesel production. The fatty acid profiles of both neutral and polar lipids are potential sources for the biodiesel industry. The biodiesel and PUFAs potentials of the polar lipids of biomasses cultivated in a medium containing higher amount of nitrates were also discussed.
The Transdiagnostic Intervention for Sleep and Circadian Dysfunction (TranS-C) for serious mental illness in community mental health part 3: Study protocol to evaluate sustainment in a hybrid type 2 effectiveness-implementation cluster-randomized trial
Authors: Sarfan Laurel D. , Agnew Emma R. , Diaz Marlen , Cogan Ashby , Spencer Julia M. , Hache Rafael Esteva , Stirman Shannon Wiltsey , Lewis Cara C. , Kilbourne Amy M. , Harvey Allison
Published: October 2023

treatments (EBPTs) has advanced rapidly, research on the sustainment of implemented EBPTs remains limited. This is concerning, given that EBPT activities and benefits regularly decline post-implementation. To advance research on sustainment, the present protocol focuses on the third and final phase – the Sustainment Phase – of a hybrid type 2 cluster-randomized controlled trial investigating the implementation and sustainment of the Transdiagnostic Intervention for Sleep and Circadian Dysfunction (TranS-C) for patients with serious mental illness and sleep and circadian problems in community mental health centers (CMHCs). Prior to the first two phases of the trial – the Implementation Phase and Train-the-Trainer Phase – TranS-C was adapted to fit the CMHC context. Then, 10 CMHCs were cluster-randomized to implement Standard or Adapted TranS-C via facilitation and train-the-trainer. The primary goal of the Sustainment Phase is to investigate whether adapting TranS-C to fit the CMHC context predicts improved sustainment outcomes.
Methods: Data collection for the Sustainment Phase will commence at least three months after implementation efforts in partnering CMHCs have ended and may continue for up to one year. CMHC providers will be recruited to complete surveys (N = 154) and a semi-structured interview (N = 40) on sustainment outcomes and mechanisms. Aim 1 is to report the sustainment outcomes of TranS-C. Aim 2 is to evaluate whether manipulating EBPT fit to context (i.e., Standard versus Adapted TranS-C) predicts sustainment outcomes. Aim 3 is to test whether provider perceptions of fit mediate the relation between treatment condition (i.e., Standard versus Adapted TranS-C) and sustainment outcomes. Mixed methods will be used to analyze the data.
Discussion: The present study seeks to advance our understanding of sustainment predictors, mechanisms, and outcomes by investigating (a) whether the implementation strategy of adapting an EBPT (i.e., TranS-C) to the CMHC context predicts improved sustainment outcomes and (b) whether this relation is mediated by improved provider perceptions of treatment fit. Together, the findings may help inform more precise implementation efforts that contribute to lasting change.
Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05956678. Registered on July 21, 2023. https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05956678?term=NCT05956678&draw=2&rank=1
Engaging science across cultures: building a research community of Buddhist monastics and undergraduate and faculty mentors
Authors: Goldberg David , Poppitz George , Sonsurkar Sayli , Manuel Josh , Klaus Jacob , Zhang Eric , Goldberg Michael , Gray Kelsey , Eisen Arri
Published: October 2023

Emory University has had a long relationship with His Holiness the Dalai Lama through the Emory-Tibet Science Initiative. Recently the Tenzin Gyatso Science Scholars, who are Tibetan Buddhist monastics that reside and take courses on Emory’s campus, were enrolled in a novel science research course designed and taught by undergraduate students at Emory. The course covered aspects of the scientific method and focused on enhancing engagement and motivation of the Scholars to pursue science research. Knowledge acquisition was assessed through quizzes, affect changes were assessed through focus group interviews, and overall course success was measured through Principal Investigator surveys. Conceptual knowledge and overall average improvement increased significantly week-to-week. Changes in affect for self-efficacy, belonging, knowledge, and future applications/drive trended towards improvement in each respective category. Finally, all seven Monastic Scholars who participated in the research curriculum were enrolled in R1 research experiences after conclusion of the course, and their PIs positively evaluated the preparedness and motivation of the monastics. The curriculum detailed here and its implementation facilitated cross-cultural education and successfully transitioned students from the classroom into research laboratories.
Estimation of Curie-point depth, heat flow and geothermal gradients in Shelleng area and environs, northeastern Nigeria from aeromagnetic data
Authors: Yassah Hassan Nelson , Onuoha Mosto , Mode Wilfred , Ezekiel Kamureyina , Okoro Eze Martins
Published: October 2023

Regional estimation of Curie-point depth (CPD), subsurface heat flow and geothermal gradients variations in the Shelleng area and environs of northeastern Nigeria was carried out in this study using spectral analysis of high-resolution aeromagnetic (HRAM) data. The HRAM data were divided into nine (9) overlapping blocks and each of the blocks was analyzed to obtain the 2D radially averaged power spectrum which enabled the computation of depths to the top and centroid of magnetic sources. The obtained values were then used to determine the depth to the bottom of magnetic bodies or the CPD, geothermal gradients and crustal heat flow changes in the study area. Results showed that CPD varies from 7.56 to 18.01 km, with an average of 11.72 km; geothermal gradient values vary between 32.20 and 76.72°C/km, with an average of 52.76°C/km, while heat flow variations range from 80.51 to 191.80 mW/m2, with an average of 131.85 mW/m2. Shallow CPD zones identified in the northeastern, western and southwestern portions of the study area correspond to zones of high geothermal gradient values and high subsurface heat flow distributions. These areas signify zones associated with anomalous subsurface thermal conditions and were therefore recommended for further detailed geothermal energy exploration studies.
Assessing Sustainable Waste Management Practices in Rajshahi City Corporation: An Analysis for Local Government Enhancement using IoT and AI Technology
Authors: Hossain Imran , Haque AKM Mahmudul , Ullah SM Akram
Published: October 2023

This study examines the possible improvements that could be made by combining the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) technology to improve waste management methods in Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC), Bangladesh. The study's foundation is a vast amount of information gathered from residents, with particular attention paid to waste disposal methods, the role of the local government, the frequency of waste collection, and public attitudes toward waste management. The results point to a complicated waste management environment with a range of waste disposal practices, little supervision, irregular waste collection, and insufficient disposal methods. The importance of RCC in waste management is emphasized, highlighting the need for proactive measures including effective monitoring, constant waste collection, and routine drain cleaning. Additionally, it is suggested that combining IoT and AI technology is a possible way to improve waste management procedures. These technologies have the potential to increase productivity, lessen their negative effects on the environment, and produce cleaner, more sustainable urban environments. This study emphasizes the significance of a thorough waste management strategy that incorporates technologically-based solutions and community involvement. It helps transform RCC into a smart city with effective and eco-friendly waste management methods, creating a precedent for other municipalities worldwide. It also acts as a valuable model for addressing waste management difficulties in urban areas.
Assessment of Fenobucarb and Propoxur insecticides in environmental samples by spectrophotometric and spectrofluorimetric methods
Authors: Chaudhary Akhil , Sharma Nisha
Published: October 2023

The widespread use of fenobucarb and propoxur insecticides for agricultural and non-agricultural purposes causes undesirable effects on human health and environment due to their residues in surface and ground water resources. In view of this two new, simple, accurate, sensitive, economical and reproducible optical methods have been investigated for the determination of fenobucarb and propoxur insecticides in pure form, in their commercial formulations and agricultural samples viz. water, grains and vegetables. The methods are based on the alkaline hydrolysis of the insecticides to methyl amine and the reaction of latter to give colored products. In spectrophotometric method the methyl amine formed, in presence of carbon disulfide and Ni(II)acetate gives a yellow colored complex, which was measured at 370 nm. Beer’s law is valid in the concentration range of 0.41–8.29 and 0.42–8.37 µg/ mL for fenobucarb and propoxur respectively. The spectrofluorimetric method is based on the study of yellow colored product, formed by the condensation of methyl amine, with acetylacetone and formaldehyde (Hantzsch reaction) at pH 5.5. The reaction product exhibits fluorescence intensity at an emission wavelength of 470 nm after excitation at a wavelength of 390 nm for both fenobucarb and propoxur insecticides. The method has linearity range 0.14–5.53 and 0.14–5.58 µg/ mL for fenobucarb and propoxur respectively. The different factors which affect the reactions were thoroughly studied and optimized. The proposed methods have been successfully applied for the assay of both insecticides in their commercial formulations and for recovery study from spiked environmental samples. The good results of recoveries of both insecticides demonstrate the accuracy and precision of both methods.
Bilateral nephrocalcinosis: an unusual presentation in early childhood with PKHD1 biallelic inheritance
Authors: Krall Paola , Faúndes Victor , Galvez Carla , Cavagnaro Felipe
Published: October 2023

Background: Nephrocalcinosis (NC) is characterized by an excessive accumulation of calcium deposits in the kidneys. In children, it is often incidentally discovered with an uncertain prognosis.
Case-diagnosis/treatment: A 3-month-old girl suspected to have a milk protein allergy underwent an abdominal ultrasound that revealed increased echogenicity in the renal pyramids. Over the course of a 5-year follow-up, her kidneys maintained size within the upper limits, and echographies suggested medical nephropathy. By age 6, imaging findings were consistent with medullary NC. Further analysis identified PKHD1variants, which required bioinformatic tools to guide diagnosis. Until the age of 7, her kidney function has remained intact; however, her prognosis is uncertain. Conclusions: NC in newborns is rare, but its incidence is rising. Recurrent urinary infections or kidney stones may lead to kidney failure. A proactive approach in sporadic NC enables an early diagnosis to orientate nephrological supervision and facilitates counseling to support family planning decisions.
Anthropometric indicators may explain the high incidence of follicular lymphoma in Europeans: Results from a bidirectional two-sample two-step Mendelian randomisation
Authors: Zhou Yanqun , Zhang Xiongfeng , Zhu Guoqing , Li Xiaozhen , Gao Tianqi , Deng Yingying , Huang Liming , Liu Zenghui
Published: October 2023

Background
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma incidence rates vary between European and Asian populations. The reasons remain unclear. This two-sample two-step Mendelian randomisation (MR) study aimed to investigate the causal relationship between anthropometric indicators (AIs) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and follicular lymphoma (FL) and the possible mediating role of basal metabolic rate (BMR) in Europe. (2)
Methods
We used the following AIs as exposures: body mass index (BMI), whole-body fat mass (WBFM), whole-body fat-free mass (WBFFM), waist circumference(WC), hip circumference(HC), standing height (SH), and weight(Wt). DLBCL and FL represented the outcomes, and BMR was a mediator. A two-sample MR analysis was performed to examine the association between AIs and DLBCL and FL onset. We performed reverse-MR analysis to determine whether DLBCL and FL interfered with the AIs. A two-step MR analysis was performed to determine whether BMR mediated the causality. (3) Findings: WBFFM and SH had causal relationships with FL. A causal association between AIs and DLBCL was not observed. Reverse-MR analysis indicated the causal relationships were not bidirectional. Two-step MR suggested BMR may mediate the causal effect of WBFFM and SH on FL. (4)
Conclusions
We observed a causal relationship between WBFFM and SH and the onset of FL in Europeans, Which may explain the high incidence of follicular lymphoma in Europeans.
RETRACTED: Thermal and Emission Performance of CH4 and H2-CH4 Thermophotovoltaic Micro Power Generators
Authors: Faramarzpour Hosein
Published: October 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Development of a complex medication review intervention based on the secondment of a clinical pharmacist in general practice
Authors: Holst Sara Sommer , Hansen Johanne , Vermehren Charlotte
Published: October 2023

Background
Medication reviews (MRs) are a well-described initiative that improves several health outcomes for polypharmacy patients. It is a complex process that can include several elements and different healthcare professionals. When developing complex interventions, it is essential to describe the development process to ensure transparency and avoid research waste. Thus, this study aimed to describe the steps of developing an MR intervention targeting general practice to ensure transparency and transferability.
Methods
A stepwise approach inspired by the Medical Research Council framework was utilised in the process, covering two phases, i.e. development and feasibility, and five steps: 1) intervention drafting, 2) expert opinion feedback, 3) pilot testing, 4) pilot evaluation and 5) feasibility evaluation.
Results
Based on the results from the first three steps, four main themes were identified: general practitioner resources, patient involvement, implementation difficulties and interdisciplinarity. These themes guided the pilot evaluation in step 4. Lastly, the feasibility of the MR intervention was evaluated in step 5 through qualitative observations and semi-structured interviews of participants (not included in this study).
Conslusion
This study summarised the development and evaluation of a feasible, complex MR intervention utilising clinical pharmacists in general practice in a real-life setting.
Multi-omics elucidated parasite-host-microbiota interactions and resistance to Haemonchus contortus in sheep
Authors: Niciura Simone Cristina Méo , Cardoso Tainã Figueiredo , Ibelli Adriana Mercia Guaratini , Okino Cintia Hiromi , Andrade Bruno Gabriel , Benavides Magda Vieira , Chagas Ana Carolina de Souza , Esteves Sergio Novita , Minho Alessandro Pelegrine , Regitano Luciana Correia de Almeida , Gondro Cedric
Published: October 2023

Background:
The integration of molecular data from hosts, parasites, and microbiota can enhance our understanding of the complex biological interactions underlying parasite resistance. Haemonchus contortus, the predominant sheep parasite species in the tropics, results in significant production and economic losses, which are further compounded by the diminishing efficiency of chemical control measures due to anthelmintic resistance. Knowledge of how the host responds to infection and how the parasite, in combination with microbiota effects, modulates host immunity can guide selection decisions to breed more resistant animals. This understanding can also refine management practices and inform the development of new therapeutics for long-term helminth control.
Results:
Egg per gram (EPG) counts were obtained in Morada Nova sheep subjected to two artificial infections with H. contortus, and used as a proxy to select animals with high resistance or susceptibility. The GAST, GNLY, IL13, MGRN1, FGF14, and RORC genes and transcripts were differentially expressed between groups based on RNA-seq of the abomasum. From 50K SNP genotyping, EPG heritability estimate was 0.12, and a genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified regions on chromosomes 2 and 11 harboring candidate genes for resistance, immune response, body weight, and adaptation. Trans-eQTLs between significant variants and differentially expressed transcripts were found. Amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) from PCR amplification and sequencing of bacterial and archaeal 16S rRNA genes in sheep feces and rumen generated functional co-expression modules correlated with resistance to H. contortus, showing enrichment in pathways of response to bacterium, immune and inflammatory responses, and hub features of the Christensenellaceae, Bacteroides, and Methanobrevibacter genera, Prevotellaceae family, and Verrucomicrobiota. In RNA-seq of H. contortus, some mitochondrial, collagen- and cuticle-related genes were expressed only in parasites retrieved from susceptible sheep.
Conclusions:
This study identified chromosome regions, genes, transcripts, and pathways involved in the elaborate interactions between the sheep host, its gastrointestinal microbiota and the H. contortus parasite. These findings can assist with the development of animal selection strategies for parasite resistance and interdisciplinary approaches to control H. contortus in sheep.
Storage implications of Australian wind data.
Authors: Trainer Ted
Published: October 2023

Wind generation data enables periods of low wind input to the Australian energy supply system to be analysed in terms of the amount of supply that would have to be drawn from storage to meet demand over those periods. The findings challenge the common assumption that high penetration renewable supply would be achievable at a relatively low need for storage and at an easily affordable cost.
Outcomes and prognosis of haploidentical haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children with FLT3-ITD mutated acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Shang Qianwen , Bai Lu , Cheng Yifei , Suo Pan , Hu Guanhua , Yan Chenhua , Wang Yu , Zhang Xiaohui , Xu Lanping , Liu Kaiyan , Huang XiaoJun
Published: October 2023

The presence of internal tandem duplication mutations in the FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 receptor (FLT3-ITD) is a poor prognostic predictor in paediatric patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). We evaluated the treatment outcomes and prognostic factors of 45 paediatric patients with FLT3-ITD AML who achieved complete remission before haploidentical haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT) at our institution from 2012 to 2021. Among the 45 patients, the overall survival (OS), event‑free survival (EFS), and cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) rates were 74.9%±6.6%, 64.1%±7.2%, and 31.4%±7.1%, respectively, with 48.8 months of median follow-up. Univariate and multivariate analyses associated positive minimal residual disease (MRD) at pre-HSCT , MRD by flow cytometry (FCM)≥0.1% after two cycles induction and time from diagnosis to HSCT more than 24 months with inferior long-term survival. The 4-year CIR of grade II–IV acute graft-versus-host (GVHD) and chronic GVHD after transplantation were 53.3% ± 7.6% and 35.7% ± 9.8%, respectively. In conclusion, haplo-HSCT may be a feasible strategy for paediatric patients with FLT3-ITD AML. MRD status at pre-HSCT, MRD by FCM after two cycles induction and the time from diagnosis to HSCT affect patient outcomes.
Lignin-based porous carbon for efficient hydrogen storage
Authors: Beak Soyoung , Kim Eunji , Kim Kwang Soo , Bae Jiyeol
Published: October 2023

The intermittent nature of renewable energy generation and the need for energy storage and transportation systems pose considerable challenges to the widespread adoption of hydrogen-based technologies. Producing good hydrogen adsorbents and the efficient storage and transportation of hydrogen are critical for enabling the widespread adoption and utilization of hydrogen as a clean fuel. This study aims to synthesize renewable carbon materials from lignin waste to adsorb hydrogen gas. To this end, lignin-derived porous carbon materials are chemically activated with chemical activators (KOH, NaOH, and ZnCl2). The specific surface area of the raw lignin increased from 0.9 m2 g–1 to a maximum of 2049 m2 g–1 with a pore volume of 0.95 cm3 g–1. At a KOH/lignin ratio of 3, the proposed material adsorbs hydrogen up to 2.42 wt.% at 1 bar and 77 K because of the highly microporous carbons and the major pore size distribution of ~ 0.6 nm. This is attributed to hydrogen adsorption achieved by enhancing the van der Waals forces between hydrogen molecules and the large surface area of the micropores. Further, this paper discusses factors that affect hydrogen uptake based on the characteristics of the developed materials. These findings indicate that hydrogen adsorbents produced using lignin biomass have the potential to be an effective alternative for hydrogen storage and transportation because they are not only cost-effective and eco-friendly, but also more capable than the existing materials.
Factors associated with bacterial sexually transmitted infection screening uptake and diagnosis among men who have sex with men in France
Authors: KOUNTA Cheick Haïballa , CHAZELLE Emilie , OUSSEINE Youssoufa M. , LOT Florence , VELTER Annie
Published: October 2023

Background
The prevalence of syphilis, Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) in men who have sex with men (MSM) is very high. As these bacterial sexually transmitted infections (bSTIs) are frequently asymptomatic, they are often undiagnosed and therefore untreated. We aimed to characterize the profile of MSM who reported bSTI screening and diagnosis in the previous 12 months, and to identify the factors associated with a diagnosis of a bSTI among MSM in France.
Methods
We used data from Enquête Rapport au Sexe (ERAS), a large French national anonymous cross-sectional online survey among MSM conducted from 26 February to 11 April 2021. After comparing MSM screened and diagnosed in the previous year with those who were not, a binary logistic regression model was used to compare MSM diagnosed with at least one bSTI with those who were not.
Results
Of the 13 300 survey respondents, 6 263 (47.1%) MSM reported screening for at least one bSTI in the previous 12 months. Of these, 1 060 (16.9%) were diagnosed for at least one bSTI during their most recent screening. Specifically, 446 (7.1%) MSM were diagnosed with NG, 427 (6.8%) with CT, and 402 (6.4%) for syphilis. The following self-reported factors were associated with a greater likelihood of bSTI diagnosis: younger age, a lower educational level, frequenting MSM meeting places, not currently using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) but willing to take preventive treatment against bSTIs, low health literacy, more than one sexual male partner, practicing chemsex, and condomless anal intercourse with casual male partners (the latter three factors concerning the previous six months).
Conclusions
A large proportion of MSM were diagnosed for at least one bSTI. This result provides an insight into bSTI screening uptake and diagnosis among MSM in France, and could inform future decisions about how to plan effective bSTI screening and diagnosis programs for this population.
IFIH1 loss-of-function predisposes to inflammatory and SARS-CoV-2-related infectious diseases
Authors: Najm Rania , Yavuz Lemis , Jain Ruchi , Naofal Maha El , Ramaswamy Sathishkumar , Abuhammour Walid , Loney Tom , Nowotny Norbert , Alsheikh-Ali Alawi , Tayoun Ahmad Abou , Kandasamy Richard
Published: October 2023

The IFIH1 gene, encoding melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 (MDA5), is an indispensable innate immune regulator involved in the early detection of viral infections. Previous studies described MDA5 dysregulation linking it to weakened immunological responses, and increased susceptibility to microbial infections and autoimmune disorders. Monoallelic gain-of-function of the IFIH1 gene has been associated with multisystem disorders, namely Aicardi-Goutieres and Singleton-Merten syndromes, while biallelic loss of this gene causes immunodeficiency. In this study, nine patients suffering from different cases of recurrent infections, inflammatory diseases, severe COVID-19, or multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) were identified with putative loss-of-function IFIH1 variants by whole exome sequencing. All patients revealed signs of lymphopenia and an increase in inflammatory markers, including CRP, amyloid A, ferritin, and IL-6. One patient with a pathogenic homozygous variant c.2807 + 1G > A was the most severe case showing immunodeficiency and glomerulonephritis. The c.1641 + 1G > C variant was identified in the heterozygous state in patients suffering from periodic fever, COVID-19, or MIS-C, while the c.2016delA variant was identified in two patients with inflammatory bowel disease or MIS-C. Expression analysis showed that PBMCs of one patient with a c.2016delA variant had a significant decrease in ISG15, IFNA and IFNG transcript levels, compared to normal PBMCs, upon stimulation with Poly(I:C), suggesting that MDA5 receptor truncation disrupts the immune response. Our findings accentuate the implication of rare monogenic IFIH1 loss-of-function variants in altering the immune response, and severely predisposing patients to inflammatory and infectious diseases, including SARS-CoV-2 related disorders.
Clinical Text Summarization: Adapting Large Language Models Can Outperform Human Experts
Authors: Veen Dave Van , Uden Cara Van , Blankemeier Louis , Delbrouck Jean-Benoit , Aali Asad , Bluethgen Christian , Pareek Anuj , Polacin Malgorzata , Reis Eduardo Pontes , Seehofnerova Anna , Rohatgi Nidhi , Hosamani Poonam , Collins William , Ahuja Neera , Langlotz Curtis , Hom Jason , Gatidis Sergios , Pauly John , Chaudhari Akshay
Published: October 2023

Sifting through vast textual data and summarizing key information from electronic health records (EHR) imposes a substantial burden on how clinicians allocate their time. Although large language models (LLMs) have shown immense promise in natural language processing (NLP) tasks, their efficacy on a diverse range of clinical summarization tasks has not yet been rigorously demonstrated. In this work, we apply domain adaptation methods to eight LLMs, spanning six datasets and four distinct clinical summarization tasks: radiology reports, patient questions, progress notes, and doctor-patient dialogue. Our thorough quantitative assessment reveals trade-offs between models and adaptation methods in addition to instances where recent advances in LLMs may not improve results. Further, in a clinical reader study with ten physicians, we show that summaries from our best-adapted LLMs are preferable to human summaries in terms of completeness and correctness. Our ensuing qualitative analysis highlights challenges faced by both LLMs and human experts. Lastly, we correlate traditional quantitative NLP metrics with reader study scores to enhance our understanding of how these metrics align with physician preferences. Our research marks the first evidence of LLMs outperforming human experts in clinical text summarization across multiple tasks. This implies that integrating LLMs into clinical workflows could alleviate documentation burden, empowering clinicians to focus more on personalized patient care and the inherently human aspects of medicine.
Assessing Health Risks of Trace Elements in Portunus segnis from Northern Tunisian Lagoons
Authors: Ennouri Rym , Bejaoui Safa , Ghribi Feriel , belhassen Dalya , Soudani Nejla , MILI Sami
Published: October 2023

The current study examined the concentrations of eight trace elements (TE) (nickel, aluminum, copper, cadmium, lead, cobalt, chromium, and zinc) in the edible tissue of the invasive blue swimming crab Portunus segnis from two southern Mediterranean lagoons, Bizerte Lagoon (BL) and Ghar El-Melh Lagoon (GML), in the years 2020–2021. The highest TE concentrations in P. segnis muscular tissue of crabs from both lagoons were recorded during the summer. The levels of TE analyzed in P. segnis and the parameters used to assess the potential human risk, estimated daily intake, target hazard quotient and target cancer risk were all below the thresholds defined for human health safety. As a result, we can affirm that P. segnis figures as a secure shellfish product that is suitable for human consumption in Tunisia. The present study provides potential for improving awareness of this seafood product within Tunisia's food industry. Additionally, it offers fundamental insights to lay the groundwork for forthcoming studies on environmental assessments.
Development and in vivo evaluation of atomoxetine hydrochloride ODMTs in a nicotine-induced attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) model in rats
Authors: ATALAY Ozbeyen , OZYILMAZ Emine Dilek , ONAL Deniz , PEHLIVANOGLU Bilge , COMOGLU Tansel
Published: October 2023

The study aimed to evaluate in vitro and in vivo oral rapid mini tablets containing atomoxetine hydrochloride (ATO), developed for children with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity (ADHD). An inclusion complex of ATO with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) was prepared to mask the bitter taste of ATO and make it suitable for oral administration to children. ODMTs were administered to ADHD mice born from nicotine-administered mother mice during pregnancy and lactation, allowing the assessment of their efficacy in vivo setting. Results obtained from the open field test, new object recognition test, and Barnes maze test revealed that the ODMT formulation containing ATO-β-CD inclusion complexes exhibited potential as an alternative to the capsule form of ATO. As a conclusion, factorial experimental design was employed in the preparation of ATO-β-CD complexes and ODMTs, and the experimental animals were subjected to hyperactivity induced by nicotine, thereby providing a distinct context in which the developed ODMT formulation was evaluated.
MIR4435-2HG as a Novel Predictive Biomarker of Chemotherapy Response and Death in Pediatric B-cell All
Authors: Torres-Llanos Yulieth , Zabaleta Jovanny , Cruz-Rodriguez Nataly , Quijano Sandra , Guzmán Paula , Reyes Iliana De los , Poveda-Garavito Nathaly , Infante Ana , Lopez Liliana , Combita Alba Lucía
Published: October 2023

Background
Although B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-cell ALL) survival rates have improved in recent years, Hispanic children continue to have poorer survival rates. There are few tools available to identify from the time of diagnosis whether the patient will respond to induction therapy. Our objective was to identify predictive biomarkers of treatment response, which could also serve as prognostic biomarkers of relapse and death, by identifying methylated and differentially expressed genes between patients with positive minimal residual disease (MRD+) and negative minimal residual disease (MRD-).
Methods
Tumor blasts were separated by immunomagnetic column and subsequently DNA and RNA were extracted. DNA methylation and mRNA sequencing assays were performed on 19 bone marrows from Hispanic children with B-cell ALL. Partek Flow was used for transcript mapping and quantification, followed by differential expression analysis using DEseq2. DNA methylation analyses were performed with Partek Genomic Suite and Genome Studio. Gene expression and differential methylation were compared between patients with MRD- and MRD + at day 15 and at the end of induction chemotherapy. Overexpressed and hypomethylated genes were selected and validated by RT-qPCR in samples of validation cohort. The predictive ability of the genes was assessed by logistic regression. Survival and Cox regression analyses were performed to determine the association of genes with death. The association of genes with relapse was assessed by RT-qPCR in relapsed patient samples and validated using TARGET-PANCER data.
Results
DAPK1, CNKSR3, MIR4435-HG2, CTHRC1, NPDC1, SLC45A3, ITGA6, and ASCL2 were overexpressed and hypomethylated in MRD + patients. The overexpression of DAPK1, ASCL2, SCL45A3, NPDC1 and ITGA6 can predict non-response at day 15 and refractoriness. Additionally, higher expression of MIR4435-2HG increases the probability of non-response, death, and the risk of death. MIR4435-2HG is also overexpressed in relapse samples. Finally, MIR4435-2HG overexpression, together with MRD+, are associated with poorer survival, and together with overexpression of DAPK1 and ASCL2, it could improve the risk classification of patients with normal karyotype.
Conclusions
MIR4435-2HG is a potential predictive and prognosis biomarker in children with B-cell ALL.