bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uma proposta de metodologia para avaliação de migração de cloreto: Um estudo voltado para o concreto de ultra alto desempenho reforçado por fibras (UHPFRC)
Authors:   COECI, Engenharia Civil, UNIVERSIDADE TECNOLOGICA FEDERAL DO PARANA, Guarapuava, Brasil., Ribeiro O. ,   Facultad de Ingeniería Civil, UTFPR, Guarapuava, Brasil., Carvalho de Mello P. ,   COECI, Engenharia Civil, UNIVERSIDADE TECNOLOGICA FEDERAL DO PARANA, Guarapuava, Brasil.,   Faculdade de engenharia civil da UEM, Universidade Estadual de Maringa, Maringa Brasil., Silvestro L. ,   COECI, Engenharia Civil, UNIVERSIDADE TECNOLOGICA FEDERAL DO PARANA, Guarapuava, Brasil.,   Facultad de Ingeniería Civil, UTFPR, Guarapuava, Brasil., Silva D. ,   COECI, Engenharia Civil, UNIVERSIDADE TECNOLOGICA FEDERAL DO PARANA, Guarapuava, Brasil.,   Facultad de Ingeniería Civil, UTFPR, Guarapuava, Brasil., Gidrão G. ,   COECI, Engenharia Civil, UNIVERSIDADE TECNOLOGICA FEDERAL DO PARANA, Guarapuava, Brasil.,   Facultad de Ingeniería Civil, UTFPR, Guarapuava, Brasil.
Published: October 2023

O ataque de cloretos em regiões litorâneas pode ocasionar a degradação das armaduras de aço do concreto armado e, em situação mais críticas, a redução da capacidade portante destas estruturas. Nesse contexto, ensaios de migração de cloretos são amplamente utilizados para avaliar o comportamento do concreto frente a este tipo de agente agressivo. Este estudo apresenta o desenvolvimento de uma célula de energia de baixo custo para facilitar o estudo desse fenômeno, sendo aplicado em concretos de ultra alto desempenho reforçados por fibra (UHPFRC). Os resultados mostraram que embora o UHPC tenha uma baixa porosidade, a incorporação das fibras metálicas contribuiu para a aceleração da penetração de cloretos, o que pode ser atribuído à maior condutividade elétrica das fibras. Essa célula de energia de baixo custo é uma ferramenta promissora para estudos futuros sobre o ataque de cloreto em concreto em regiões litorâneas, ajudando a entender melhor o fenômeno e desenvolver soluções para prevenir a degradação das estruturas.
Análise das manifestações patológicas em pavimento asfáltico flexível: aplicação do índice de gravidade global (IGG) em trechos da CE-371
Authors:   Departamento de Construção Civil, Instituto Federal da Paraíba, Cajazeiras-PB, Brasil., Martins Teixeira D. , Arruda dos Santos R. ,   Departamento de Construção Civil, Instituto Federal da Paraíba, Cajazeiras-PB, Brasil., Fernandes Pinheiro A. ,   Departamento de Construção Civil, Instituto Federal da Paraíba, Cajazeiras-PB, Brasil., Martins Filho J. P. ,   Departamento de Construção Civil, Instituto Federal da Paraíba, Cajazeiras-PB, Brasil., de Sousa Oliveira S. L. ,   Departamento de Construção Civil, Instituto Federal da Paraíba, Cajazeiras-PB, Brasil.
Published: October 2023

Este estudo buscou identificar as principais falhas nos pavimentos asfálticos flexíveis em três trechos da rodovia CE-371, entre Acopiara-CE e Catarina-CE, propor soluções técnicas adequadas para resolver os problemas e avaliar a gravidade global da rodovia. Tendo em vista que a infraestrutura de transporte é crucial para o desenvolvimento socioeconômico de um país. Através dessa pesquisa podemos concluir que os trechos avaliados foram considerados em estado "ruim" de deterioração, principalmente devido à fadiga do pavimento e ao tráfego repetitivo. Com base nesses resultados, recomenda-se a fresagem seguida de recapeamento como a alternativa mais viável para a recuperação da rodovia, a fim de proporcionar melhores condições de tráfego e conforto para os usuários.
Patologias em fachadas revestidas com argamassa estabilizada
Authors:   Universidade de Santa Cruz do Sul, UNISC, Santa Cruz do Sul, Brasil., dos Santos M. D. F. , Schuch D.C. ,   Universidade do Vale dos Sinos, UNISINOS, São Leopoldo, Brasil.
Published: October 2023

O objetivo deste trabalho é identificar e comparar as manifestações patológicas de três empreendimentos que foram utilizados em suas fachadas, argamassa de revestimento estabilizada, e que apresentaram quadros de manifestações patológicas idênticas. Todos eles possuíam fissurações e resultados de ensaios em laboratórios com características semelhantes. Como solução para as patologias dos empreendimentos é sugerido a vedação de entrada de umidade, buscando cessar este processo de hidratação tardia de partículas dos aglomerantes existentes no interior da argamassa, que não foram hidratadas até os 28 dias de idade, em função dos aditivos estabilizadores, potencializado pela significativa condição de ar incorporado existente nos traços utilizados nos revestimentos externos. Com isso, podemos verificar que a utilização de argamassa de revestimento estabilizada, quando utilizada sem especificações técnicas e não respeitando as características das argamassas de assentamento, podem gerar condições críticas de manifestações patológicas que levam desde a problemas técnicos como estéticos e que prejudicam a saúde dos moradores e também das edificações.
Procedimento para elaboração de inspeção predial: lista de verificação dos sistemas prediais com vistas a manutenção das edificações
Authors:   Departamento de Engenharia Civil, Centro Tecnológico, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória-ES, Brasil, Quinquim T. A. , Zucoloto P. ,   Departamento de Engenharia Civil, Centro Tecnológico, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória-ES, Brasil, Vieira G. ,   Programa de Pós-graduação em Engenharia Civil, Departamento de Engenharia Civil, Laboratório de Ensaios em Materiais de Construção,  Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória-ES, Brasil
Published: October 2023

Inspeção predial é uma área da Patologia das Construções na qual realiza-se uma verificação nos sistemas prediais. No Brasil, a norma de base para inspeção predial é ABNT NBR 16747:2020. No entanto, não contempla um aprofundamento das operações em campo quando são realizados os trabalhos de inspeção predial. Este trabalho desenvolveu uma lista de verificação, contemplando os sistemas prediais comumente abordados na engenharia civil. A metodologia se baseia na análise conjunta das normativas vigentes, pesquisa de métodos técnicos de inspeção, entre outros. O resultado é a criação de um modelo de inspeção, com seus sistemas prediais selecionados, as manifestações patológicas e inconsistências detectadas, calculando o estado de conservação por meio do Indice de Preservação (IP) da edificação analisada.
Levantamento de manifestações patológicas em uma distribuidora de óleos e derivados no porto de SUAPE
Authors:   Graduado en Ingeniería Civil, Universidad Católica de Pernambuco, Lemos A. R. ,   Recife, Brasil, de Vasconcelos Filho A. G. F. ,   Graduado en Ingeniería Civil, Universidad Católica de Pernambuco; Recife, Brasil, de Oliveira T. L. N. ,   Graduado en Ingeniería Civil, Universidad Católica de Pernambuco; Recife, Brasil, Monteiro C. B. ,   Estudiante de pregrado en Ingeniería Civil, Universidad de Pernambuco; Recife, Brasil, Barreto Monteiro E. C. ,   Professora Dr. Universidad de Pernambuco/Universidad Católica de Pernambuco; Recife, Brasil, Barreto Tenório A. F. ,   Graduado en Ingeniería Civil, Universidad Católica de Pernambuco; Recife, Brasil
Published: October 2023

A pesquisa teve como objetivo analisar as manifestações patológicas presentes no terminal da empresa DECAL nas instalações do pátio de bombas e plataformas de carga e descarga, citando as suas possíveis causas e origens, e apresentando seis mapas de danos referentes as duas instalações. Para realização da pesquisa inspeções foram realizadas ao terminal da DECAL, em que uma avaliação visual com câmera fotográfica foi realizada. Em seguida as manifestações foram identificadas por meio de pesquisas científicas online e suas causas descritas no relatório, terminando com o mapeamento das manifestações patológicas sobre as plantas de construção. O estudo realizado demonstrou que as duas instalações se encontram dentro das normas de segurança ambiental porém obras de manutenção são recomendadas.
Efeito da adição de fíler calcário e metacaulim na carbonatação de argamassa com baixo consumo de cimento dosado com empacotamento de partículas
Authors:   Departamento de Construção Civil, Instituto Federal da Paraíba, Cajazeiras-PB, Brasil., Barbosa de Moura R. R. , Coelho I. V. ,   Departamento de Construção Civil, Instituto Federal da Paraíba, Cajazeiras-PB, Brasil., Coutinho M. L. C. ,   Departamento de Construção Civil, Instituto Federal da Paraíba, Cajazeiras-PB, Brasil., Arruda dos Santos R. ,   Departamento de Construção Civil, Instituto Federal da Paraíba, Cajazeiras-PB, Brasil., Fernandes Pinheiro A. ,   Departamento de Construção Civil, Instituto Federal da Paraíba, Cajazeiras-PB, Brasil., Martins Filho J. P. ,   Departamento de Construção Civil, Instituto Federal da Paraíba, Cajazeiras-PB, Brasil., de Sousa Oliveira S. L. ,   Departamento de Construção Civil, Instituto Federal da Paraíba, Cajazeiras-PB, Brasil.
Published: October 2023

O concreto de cimento Portland é amplamente utilizado na construção civil, que gera elevadas emissões de CO2. Pesquisas buscam alternativas ao cimento Portland para reduzir o impacto ambiental. Os resultados mostraram maior resistência à compressão no traço com empacotamento de partículas (RCE). Argamassas com adições minerais demandaram menos cimento para a mesma resistência. Porém, a adição de fíler calcário e metacaulim aumentou a suscetibilidade à carbonatação, afetando a durabilidade do concreto devido à diminuição na reserva alcalina. Por fim, os resultados sugerem que adições minerais reduzem o impacto ambiental, mas é preciso avaliar os efeitos na durabilidade e propriedades mecânicas. Substituir totalmente o cimento Portland é desafiador, pois requer durabilidade e resistência satisfatórias.
Análise de vulnerabilidade estrutural causada por condições ambientais severas. Estudo de caso
Authors:   Engenharia Civil Empresarial, Escola de Engenharia, Universidade Federal de Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Brasil., Rojas R. , da Silva Teixeira C. ,   Engenharia Civil Empresarial, Escola de Engenharia, Universidade Federal de Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Brasil., Yepez Aguirre J. ,   Engenharia Civil Empresarial, Escola de Engenharia, Universidade Federal de Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Brasil., Korzewoski C. ,   Engenharia de Bioprocessos e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual de Rio Grande do Sul, Bento Gonçalves, Brasil., Oleinik Nunes J. ,   Engenharia Civil Empresarial, Escola de Engenharia, Universidade Federal de Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Brasil.
Published: October 2023

Este estudo permite analisar a vulnerabilidade estrutural de uma laje maciça de concreto armado submetida a condições ambientais severas. Um procedimento passo a passo foi aplicado para caracterizar o sistema estrutural, registrar os sintomas de falha e realizar a análise. Ferramentas computacionais baseadas no método dos elementos finitos foram aplicadas para criar o gêmeo digital, realizar a simulação e estudar o comportamento. Os resultados evidenciaram, por um lado, a deterioração significativa das armaduras, com o consequente comprometimento do seu desempenho, e, por outro, deficiências nas armaduras necessárias para suportar as solicitações atuantes, aumentando o risco de atingir um estado limite último. Foi possível verificar, qualitativa e quantitativamente, que a estrutura é vulnerável e precisa de intervenção imediata.
Inspeção predial e projeto de reforço de um pavimento técnico de um conjunto de 3 piscinas elevadas com 26 anos de construção
Authors:   Departamento Académico de Construcción Civil, Universidad Tecnológica Federal de Paraná, Curitiba Brasil, Medeiros A. , Covatti L. ,   Laboratorio de Ensayos y Modelos Estructurales, Universidad Federal de Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brasil, Honório A. A. ,   Estructuras de Concreto Rui Medeiros, Curitiba Brasil, Medeiros R. ,   Estructuras de Concreto Rui Medeiros, Curitiba Brasil
Published: October 2023

Uma estrutura de concreto que suporta um conjunto de piscinas foi inspecionada, pois havia corrosão generalizada. Esta estrutura comprometida é o pavimento técnico onde se encontram os equipamentos de tratamento de água das piscinas. O ambiente úmido, com pouca circulação de ar possível contaminação por cloretos acelerou o processo de corrosão. Foi realizado um projeto de recuperação e reforço da estrutura de suporte das piscinas. Observou-se que o microclima neste pavimento técnico é muito mais agressivo do que das edificações imediatamente vizinhas. Na época da construção desta edificação, as normas vigentes não contemplavam conceitos de durabilidade e microclima. Contudo, ainda nos dias de hoje, este assunto merece atenção de projetistas e carece de um maior debate para futuras revisões normativas.
Ensaio de carbonatação acelerada de corpos de prova de argamassa estrutural e graute impermeabilizados com quatro diferentes produtos
Authors:   Laboratório de Ensayos y Modelos Estructurales, Universidad Federal de Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brasil, Covatti L. , Medeiros A. ,   Departamento Académico de Construcción Civil, Universidad Tecnológica Federal de Paraná, Curitiba Brasil., Filho L. C. P. S. ,   Laboratório de Ensayos y Modelos Estructurales, Universidad Federal de Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brasil, Lorenzi A. ,   Laboratório de Ensayos y Modelos Estructurales, Universidad Federal de Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brasil, Souza H. ,   Saint-Gobain/Quartzolit.
Published: October 2023

Dentre as manifestações patológicas que acometem a construção civil a corrosão de armadura é uma das mais nocivas para a integridade e segurança estrutural. Um dos principais fatores para que ocorra a corrosão de armadura é a diminuições do pH estrutural do concreto armado proveniente da carbonatação. Visando mitigar este problema através da interrupção da entrada do gás carbônico na estrutra, impermeabilizações com polímeros poderão ser empregadas. Além disso, materiais de reparo estrutural com qualidade igual ou superior a da estrutura reparada também deverão ser aplicados. Nesta pesquisa foram ensaiados através de carbonatação acelerada em laboratório corpos de prova moldados utilizando argamassa estrutural com fibras e graute MCAD. Os corpos de prova foram impermeabilizados com polímeros de poliuretano, resina acrílica, produto anti-pixação e pintura epóxi poliamina. Foi constatado que os corpos de prova não carbonataram nas idades sugeridas pela norma ISO 1920-12:2015 devido a elevada compacidade do material aferida através de ensaio de absorção de água e ensaio de velocidade de pulso ultrassônico.
Reabilitação estrutural da Catedral da Floresta, igreja matriz da ICEFLU (Igreja do Culto Eclético da Fluente Luz Universal) – Estudo de caso
Authors:   PhD Engenharia, Rua Visconde de Ouro Preto, 201. Consolação. 01303-060. São Paulo/SP, Brasil, Espinoza C. , Boni R. ,   PhD Engenharia, Rua Visconde de Ouro Preto, 201. Consolação. 01303-060. São Paulo/SP, Brasil, Pacheco J. ,   PhD Engenharia, Rua Visconde de Ouro Preto, 201. Consolação. 01303-060. São Paulo/SP, Brasil, Helene P. ,   Professor Titular da Escola Politécnica da Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil.,   PhD Engenharia, Rua Visconde de Ouro Preto, 201. Consolação. 01303-060. São Paulo/SP, Brasil
Published: October 2023

Historicamente, as construções civis são erigidas em todos os lugares do planeta, com as mais diversas características ambientais, empregando todo tipo de materiais disponíveis e utilizando uma ampla gama de técnicas construtivas, obtidas através de conhecimento acadêmico e os adquiridos nas experiências práticas de cada localidade. É sabido que os requisitos principais das estruturas são: resistência, estabilidade, sustentabilidade e durabilidade. Este artigo técnico procura compartilhar a singular experiência na reabilitação de uma estrutura em concreto armado, localizada na floresta amazônica brasileira, considerando as dificuldades e desafios enfrentados nas diferentes etapas de planejamento, projeto e construção, os quais levaram à necessidade da reabilitação desta estrutura de importante valor religioso e social.
Best Practices for Developing International Academic Partnerships in Orthopaedics
Authors: Brown Kelsey , Flores Michael J. , Haonga Billy , Chokotho Linda C. , O’Marr Jamieson M. , Rodarte Patricia , Shearer David , Morshed Saam
Published: October 2023

Traumatic and nontraumatic orthopaedic conditions are major contributors to global morbidity and account for the majority of life-years lived with disability worldwide. Additionally, the burden of musculoskeletal injuries has increased substantially over the past 3 decades. Unfortunately, in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), access to orthopaedic care is limited, leading to a disproportionate burden of disease. The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery has emphasized the urgent need for unified international commitment and research collaboration to achieve universal access to safe and affordable surgical care. However, conducting high-quality orthopaedic research in LMICs remains challenging as a result of disparities in training, access to resources, infrastructure, and equipment availability. Partnerships between high-income countries (HICs) and LMICs have emerged in recent decades as an effective approach to combatting some of these challenges. These partnerships aim to bridge the gaps by facilitating collaborative research and knowledge exchange. The establishment of successful partnerships requires a collaborative and reciprocal approach that starts with a clear understanding of mutual research aims and the availability of resources. Despite the potential benefits, various factors can make establishing such partnerships difficult. However, these partnerships can have a substantial impact in delivering quality orthopaedic education and research training, thus improving access to care in resource-limited environments. This paper represents the collaborative effort of multiple international academic orthopaedic surgeons with extensive experience in HIC-LMIC partnerships. Our aims were to outline the best practices for conducting orthopaedic research within these relationships and to provide guidance for future successful collaborations.
EPIDEMIOLOGY AND PHARMACOTHERAPY OF ROTAVIRUS AND IMPACT OF VACCINATION TO PREVENTION ITS MORTALITY
Authors:   Humayun Riaz, Malik Abdul Raheem
Published: October 2023

Rotavirus is a type of virus that primarily affects infants and young children, causing gastroenteritis, which is inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It is one of the leading reasons for server diarrhea worldwide,especially in developing lands. The virus is highly contagious and can spread through the fecal-oral route, primarily through contaminated food, water, and surfaces. The introduction of the rotavirus vaccines has had a significant impact on reducing the burden of rotavirus-related illnesses. Many countries have incorporated rotavirus vaccination into their national immunization programs. The vaccines havesignificantly reduced rotavirus-related hospitalizations, deaths, and overall disease burden in countries where vaccination coverage is high. Here, we will discuss the recent developments in epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatments of rotavirus-induced gastroenteritis. Moreover, suggestions to prevent incidences of infection have been elegantly discussed
DataSwitch Data Sweeper (DS)²
Authors: Farrar Joseph , Whitlow James
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this Coastal and Hydraulics Engineering technical note (CHETN) is to specify the software requirements, architecture, and detailed design for the DataSwitch Data Sweeper (DS)² application. This document is designed for the software developers maintaining (DS)2 and is intended to aid these developers in understanding its architecture and underlying functionality.
Spinal Cellular Schwannoma: A Case Report of Acute Post-Traumatic Paralysis
Authors: Lim Dae Hyun , Pyo Ju-Yeon , Jeong Yeong Ha , Jin Byung Ho , Kim Kwang-Ryeol
Published: October 2023

This case report describes a 64-year-old female patient who presented to the emergency department with lower back pain, bilateral leg pain, and numbness. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a mass-like lesion at the L2 level, which was surgically removed and was found to be a cellular schwannoma upon histopathological examination. The patient exhibited immediate postoperative improvement and was referred for rehabilitation. This case highlights the importance of considering cellular schwannoma as a possible diagnosis in patients with intradural extramedullary tumors causing compressive symptoms.
Implementation of the LipIDens pipeline: assisted interpretation of lipid densities in membrane protein structures using simulations
Authors: Ansell T. Bertie , Song Wanling , Coupland Claire E. , Carrique Loic , Corey Robin A. , Duncan Anna L. , Cassidy C. Keith , Geurts Maxwell M. G. , Rasmussen Tim , Ward Andrew B. , Siebold Christian , Stansfeld Phillip J. , Sansom Mark S. P.
Published: October 2023

Interpretation of lipid and lipid-like densities surrounding membrane protein structures solved by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) is challenging. We developed the LipIDens pipeline for assisted structural interpretation of lipid densities using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. This protocol details how to establish coarse-grained (CG) simulations of membrane proteins in biomimetic membranes, test lipid interaction cut-offs, calculate lipid interactions and binding sites, assess the quality of derived kinetics, compare lipid poses with structural densities, rank site lipids and refine lipid poses using atomistic simulations. These data provide a platform for identifying the most probable lipid accounting for a lipid-like density, assisting the modelling and interpretation of membrane protein structures.
Can mobilising specialists be relieved by a robotic system for the early mobilisation of intensive-care patients? A quantitative longitudinal study at three data collection points at a German university hospital
Authors: Mehler-Klamt Amrei , Koestler Natascha , Huber Jana , Warmbein Angelika , Rathgeber Ivanka , Gutmann Marcus , Biebl Johanna Theresia , Hübner Lucas , Schroeder Ines , Scharf Christina , Ohneberg Christoph , Kraft Eduard , Zoller Michael , Fischer Uli , Eberl Inge
Published: October 2023

Immobility in intensive-care patients can lead to significant health risks and costs for the health system. Reasons for this include the shortage of specialist staff in nursing and physiotherapy who typically handle mobilisation activities for intensive-care patients. The use of robotic systems aims to facilitate early mobilisation and thereby counteract prolonged immobility. Whether this can also alleviate the workload for staff has not yet been sufficiently investigated. To examine the psychological stress and behaviour of mobilising specialist during conventional and robot-assisted mobilisations of intensive-care patients and to draw conclusions regarding the impact on and relief for the mobilising staff due to the robotic system, a quantitative longitudinal study was conducted with two data collection points (T1, T2). Aspects of body posture, the perceived stress of mobilising staff, as well as the time and personnel required for mobilisation were collected through non-participatory standardized observations. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis of the observations of 35 conventional mobilisations (T1) and 55 robot-assisted mobilisations (T2). Additionally, a follow-up was conducted for nine robot-assisted mobilisations to assess the routine use of the robotic system.
The duration of robot-assisted mobilisation had significantly longer process times in preparation, follow-up and execution phases compared to conventional mobilisation.
A significant correlation was found between the subjectively assessed feasibility of mobilisation and psychological stress (PSaR) experienced by the specialist staff during robot-assisted mobilisation. The more confident users felt in robot-assisted mobilisation, the less psychologically stress they perceived it.

Trial registration:
clinicaltrials.org TRN: NCT05071248, Date: 2021/10/21 URL https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05071248
WITHDRAWN: Green Credit, Green Reputation, and Risk-taking of Commercial Banks: Evidence from China
Authors: Liu Renzhong , Zheng Yanming , Huang Wenyao , Madsen Dag Øivind , Kuang Jinsong , Fan Xianyang
Published: October 2023

In the context of promoting resource conservation and environmentally friendly societal development worldwide, this study introduces the theoretical framework of green credit and green reputation into the analysis of bank risk assumption. An evolutionary game model is constructed to simulate the game process of commercial banks implementing green credit and derive the final equilibrium result. By utilizing annual data from Chinese commercial banks for the years 2010-2021, green credit policy (GCP) is treated as a quasi-natural experiment, and a multiple time period difference-in-differences model is constructed to evaluate the impact of green credit on the risk-taking of commercial banks. The study finds that green credit has a significant negative impact on the risk assumption of commercial banks. Increasing the scale of green credit effectively suppresses the rise in non-performing loan ratios and reduces the risk-taking of commercial banks. Further mechanism tests indicate that the green reputation generated by implementing green credit brings implicit value and effectively improves the risk-taking of commercial banks. Additionally, government intervention plays a positive regulatory role in reducing bank risk assumptions through green credit. Active government intervention expands the positive effect of green credit. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the government promptly takes steps to improve green credit policy and legal systems, continuously refine green financing, and effectively guide capital flows towards resource-efficient and environmentally protective industries, thereby optimizing resource allocation, promoting green economic growth, and ensuring the financial system's stability.
Multiple Iterations in Bhutanese Secondary Science Teachers' Implementation of Action Research
Authors: Rabgay Tshewang , Kidman Gillian
Published: October 2023

Many theoretical models of action research depict its process as cycles comprising several sequential phases. In Bhutan, teachers use Kemmis and McTaggart’s spiral model which has four phases of plan, act, observe and reflect to conduct action research for their professional learning. As a growing practice, the way Bhutanese teachers carry out action research is an emerging field of inquiry. This study explored how three Bhutanese secondary science teachers in a case study school conducted their first action research project using Kemmis and McTaggart’s model to improve student interaction in the class. Data were collected using diaries, interviews and observations and analysed using three-step coding procedures of grounded theory. The findings showed that the science teachers conducted multiple iterations by moving back-and-forth between the four phases of Kemmis and McTaggart’s model. It demonstrated a messy and non-linear process of action research conducted through continuous reflection which was inconsistent with the neat cycles of Kemmis and McTaggart’s model. Despite a few challenges, the multiple iterations and continuous reflection helped the teachers to make progress in their action research and develop an interactive teaching strategy. Given the absence of multiple iterations and messiness in the action research knowledge disseminated to teachers in Bhutan, the study highlights the requirement for the Ministry of Education and teachers to consider mess and multiple iterations as a normal process of action research.
Performance evaluation of femtosecond laser processed natural bioremediation membranes
Authors: Zhang Zefei , Zhang Jiahui , Wang Li , Feng Yihua , Sun Yujing
Published: October 2023

Background
Natural bioremediation membranes are excellent materials for skin repair. Traditional mechanical processing methods have limitations, including low processing speed and heat accumulation. Therefore, scholars have proposed the femtosecond laser as a novel processing technique to improve processing speed, accuracy, and quality at the same time reducing the heat effect.
Methods
In this study, a smoother and flatter surface without carbonization was obtained by optimizing the laser parameters, then compared with mechanical processing in terms of physicochemical properties and biocompatibility.
Results
The results revealed consistent physicochemical properties of the femtosecond laser interface with wound dressing requirements; moreover, the collagen biocompatibility remained preserved, which was beneficial to the adhesion and proliferation of human dermal fibroblasts.
Conclusions
Therefore, this work validates the feasibility of femtosecond laser in processing natural bioremediation membranes and addresses the challenges of slow processing speed, low precision, and heat accumulation predominant in conventional processing methods. The findings not only provide insights and methods for processing natural bioremediation membranes but also other medical regenerative materials.
Evaluating Prognosis of Gastrointestinal Metastatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: Constructing a Novel Prognostic Nomogram Based on NETPET Score and Metabolic Parameters from PET/CT Imaging
Authors: Liu Yifan , Wang Zhixiong , Cui Ruizhe , Lin Qi , Tang Wei , Zhang Bing , Li Guanghua , Wang Zhao
Published: October 2023

Introduction
Comparing the prognostic performance of NETPET scores, based on gallium-68 DOTANOC (68Ga-DOTANOC) and fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography (PET-CT), and PET-CT metabolic parameters in metastatic gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors (GI-NET), while constructing and validating a nomogram derived from dual-scan PET-CT.
Methods
In this retrospective study, G1-G3 GI-NET patients who underwent 68Ga-DOTANOC and 18F-FDG PET scans were enrolled and divided into training and internal validation cohorts. Three grading systems were constructed based on NETPET scores and standardized uptake value maximum (SUVmax). LASSO regression selected variables for a multivariable Cox model, and nomograms predicting progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were created. The prognostic performance of these systems was assessed using time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, concordance index (C-index), and other methods. Nomogram evaluation involved calibration curves, decision curve analysis (DCA), and the aforementioned methods in both cohorts.
Results
In this study, 223 patients (130 males; mean age ± SD: 52.6 ± 12 years) were divided into training (148) and internal validation (75) cohorts. Dual scans were classified based on NETPET scores (D1-D3). Single 68Ga-DOTANOC and 18F-FDG PET-CT scans were stratified into S1-S3 and F1-F3 based on SUVmax. The NETPET score-based grading system demonstrated the best OS and PFS prediction (C-index, 0.763 vs 0.727 vs 0.566). Nomograms for OS and PFS exhibited superior prognostic performance in both cohorts (all AUCs > 0.8).
Conclusion
New classification based on NETPET score predicts patient OS/PFS best. PET-CT-based nomograms show accurate OS/PFS forecasts.
Effect of dry and wet finishing and polishing on color change and opacity of nanofill and nanohybrid composites
Authors: Sisakht Mehdi Molaie , Zadeh Anoosh Mohammad , Ghasemi Amir , Badiee Mehdi
Published: October 2023

Background
As superior esthetic is one of the main reasons for using composite resins, it is very important to be familiar with factors and techniques affecting their optical properties and appearance.
Aim
The aim of this study was comparing the effect of finishing and polishing with and without water coolant, on the color change and opacity of composite resin materials.
Methods
Composites used for preparing samples were Z250 (microhybrid), Z350XT (nanofilled), and Z550 (nanohybrid). Then divided into 4 groups of 5 depending on finishing and polishing technique (dry or wet) and time (T0 and T24). After polishing, samples were assessed using a spectrophotometer. Color change and opacity were determined. Data was analyzed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov, ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests.
Results
Type of material in T0 and T24 had a significant effect on ΔE and opacity. Our results in dry and wet technique at T0 showed that the highest and lowest ΔE and opacity belong to Z350XT (p < 0.001). At T24, opacity of Z250 in wet condition was higher than dry condition (p < 0.001).
Conclusions
Wet or dry technique was only effective on color in immediate polishing. Regarding opacity, technique was only effective in case of delayed polishing.
Comparison of the Diagnostic Significance of Cerebrospinal fluid Metagenomic Next-generation Sequencing Copy Number Variation Analysis and Cytology in Leptomeningeal Malignancy
Authors: Zhang Le , Fang Kechi , Ren Haitao , Fan Siyuan , Wang Jing , Guan Hongzhi
Published: October 2023

Background
The early diagnosis of leptomeningeal malignancy remains a formidable challenge in clinical practice. This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic potential of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and chromosome copy number variations (CNVs) analysis in the detection of leptomeningeal malignancy. The diagnostic significance of mNGS-CNVs was compared with that of cytology.
Methods
A total of 51 patients were enrolled. 34 patients were diagnosed with central nervous system (CNS) leptomeningeal malignancy (tumor group), and 17 patients were diagnosed with CNS inflammatory diseases (nontumor group). We explored a well-designed approach utilizing the CSF mNGS-CNVs technique for the early diagnosis of leptomeningeal malignancy. The diagnostic performance of CSF cytology and mNGS-CNVs was evaluated.
Results
CSF cytology displayed a sensitivity of 82.35% (95% CI: 66.83%-92.61%) and a specificity of 94.12% (95% CI: 69.24%-99.69%). In comparison, CSF mNGS-CNVs exhibited a slightly lower sensitivity of 70.59% (95% CI: 52.33%-84.29%), but an impressive specificity of 100% (95% CI: 77.08%-100%). Notably, comparative analysis revealed no significant difference in diagnostic consistency between cytology and mNGS-CNVs.
Conclusions
Our study highlighted the advantage of CSF mNGS-CNVs as a diagnostic tool for leptomeningeal malignancy when compared to traditional cytology. This comprehensive approach provides a promising strategy for utilizing CSF mNGS in the detection of CNS tumors.
Inter-rater Reliability of ACS-NSQIP Colorectal Procedure Coding in Canada
Authors: Xiong Yingqi , Hirsch Gregory , Spence Richard , Walsh Mark , Neumann Katerina
Published: October 2023

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (ACS-NSQIP) collects risk-adjusted surgical data utilizing Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. Inconsistent code assignment may affect benchmarking calculations. This study aims to assess inter-rater reliability of coding colorectal resection procedures across Canada by ACS-NSQIP surgical clinical nurse reviewers (SCNR) and the impact on risk predictions. An electronic survey was distributed to Canadian SCNRs, asking them to assign CPT codes to simulated synoptic operative reports. Percent agreement and free-marginal kappa correlation were calculated. The ACS-NSQIP risk calculator was used to compare predicted morbidity and mortality between the two most frequently chosen codes for each case, to demonstrate impact on risk prediction. 44 of 150 (29.3%) survey recipients responded. There was significant variability in the CPT codes chosen. Agreement ranged from 6.7% 62.3%. Free-marginal kappa correlation ranged from moderate agreement (0.53) to high disagreement (-0.17). The ACS-NSQIP risk calculator predicted absolute differences in risk of serious complications and mortality ranging from 0.2–13.7% and 0.2–6.3%, respectively. This study demonstrated low inter-rater reliability in the coding of ACS-NSQIP colorectal resection procedures in Canada among trained SCNRs. The resulting coding inconsistency translated to variation in risk prediction.
Research on the risk of imbalanced development of land urbanization and population urbanization——Evidence from Shaanxi Province, China
Authors: Zhao Hangli , Ai Xinnan
Published: October 2023

As land urbanization and population urbanization are two basic elements in the development of new urbanization, their coordinated development is very important. Based on the comprehensive evaluation method of AHP, PCA and ANP, this paper calculates the coordinated development level of land urbanization and population urbanization in Shaanxi Province of China, and predicts the risks if the development is imbalanced. The results show that the development of population urbanization in Shaanxi Province lagged behind during 2010–2015, in 2008–2009 and during 2016–2020, the development of land urbanization lagged behind. Among the risks of imbalance between land urbanization and population urbanization in Shaanxi Province, the risk of economic development is the highest, followed by the risk of resources and environment, the risk of residents` life and the risk of public service, respectively. Therefore, the risk of imbalance between land urbanization and population urbanization should be prevented and defused by creating jobs, optimizing spatial distribution, improving social security, reducing dependence on land finance, deepening the reform of household registration system, and optimizing environmental protection mechanism.
Responding to extreme weather with innovative urban social governance mechanisms driven by complex adaptive systems theory: The 7.20 Zhengzhou flood
Authors: Yang Jianfeng , Zheng Pin , Chai Zitong
Published: October 2023

To accurately grasp the logic and challenges of urban social governance during extreme weather disasters, this paper examines the 7.20 Heavy Rain Disaster in Zhengzhou, Henan, as a case study. After comprehensively reviewing the evolution of disasters and failures in emergency responses, several issues were identified in the urban social governance mechanisms for extreme weather risks, such as inadequate agility in adapting to extreme weather, limited effectiveness of grassroots governance, and insufficient overall coordination in handling extreme weather risks. Using complex adaptive systems theory, a framework is proposed for understanding the complex adaptive response of urban social governance to extreme weather risks. On the basis of this framework, the paper recommends innovative pathways for urban social governance to cope with extreme weather risks, including enhancing the agility of overall urban disaster response through digital empowerment, unleashing grassroots resilience in emergency responses by adjusting authority relationships, and improving intergovernmental coordination capacities by establishing standardized contingency plans.
Hard Flaccid Syndrome Symptoms, Comorbidities, and Self-Reported Efficacy and Satisfaction of Treatments: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Niedenfuehr Jenny , Stevens David
Published: October 2023

Hard flaccid syndrome (HFS) is a poorly understood condition with no formal consensus on its definition, symptom presentation, etiology, or treatment plan. We aimed to advance the understanding of HFS by evaluating symptom prevalence, cause of symptom onset, comorbidities, and self-reported efficacy and satisfaction with current treatments. An online cross-sectional survey on Qualtrics with purposive and convenience sampling methods were conducted on participants self-identifying as having HFS. Participants were recruited through social media platforms. Only 58% of participants reported their HFS symptoms began following a specific incident/trauma. Changes in penis shape/size and rigid penis when not erect were the most common complaints. Activities such as laying down and stretching improved symptoms while masturbation, weight lifting, and standing worsened symptoms for most patients. Comorbid conditions reported in our sample affect multiple body parts including pudendal nerve, spine, hips, and pelvic region. Self-reported efficacy and satisfaction of current therapies were poor. Innovative, multimodal, and personalized treatment strategies are greatly needed for HFS patients.
Failure-based Design Validation for Effective Repair of Multi-metal Additive Manufacturing: The Case of Remanufacturable Brake Caliper
Authors: Aziz Nurhasyimah Abd , Elanggoven Lenggeswaran , Wahab Dzuraidah Abd , Zakaria Nur Alia Shazmin , Kamarulzaman Nadhira Fathiah , Awang Nurfadzylah
Published: October 2023

The inclusion of additive manufacturing (AM) as an automated repair method leads to a sustainable remanufacturing process, which is known as additive repair. Despite its potential in improving the efficiency of repair and restoration, additive repair remains in its infancy and requires a thorough investigation on part design and process parameters. The major concern raised in additive repair is the capability to create perfect bonding between two metals, which will affect the mechanical properties of the complete repaired part. Hence, performing evaluation from the beginning is crucial to validate the feasibility of the process through appropriate structural analysis and to obtain deformation and stress results. Brake caliper housing is selected as a remanufacturable component for case exemplary purposes. Prior to analysis, the potential damages and failures of the brake caliper component were initially evaluated through literature surveys and direct interviews with industry experts where two types of damages were identified, namely, cracks and broken or fractured parts. Then, the validation focuses on comparative analysis of three different conditions of the brake caliper housing: original, damaged and repaired caliper model using finite element analysis in ANSYS. Results indicate that the strength of the repaired caliper model shows equal and higher strength compared with the original model. This result confirms that the repair process through AM can retain or improve the quality of the remanufactured brake caliper housing. Therefore, this paper provides a systematic framework for the evaluation of mechanical properties in multi-metal additive repair with the integration of failure analysis techniques.
Effect of a nutraceutical combination on sleep quality among people with mildly impaired sleep: A randomised, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Gutiérrez-Romero Sebastián Antonio , Torres-Narváez Erika Sofía , Zamora-Gómez Adrián Camilo , Castillo-Castillo Silvana , Latorre-Velásquez Angela Liliana , Betancourt-Villamizar Carolina , Mendivil Carlos O.
Published: October 2023

In this randomised, placebo-controlled trial, we assigned adults with a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) > = 5 to receive a formulation containing L-theanine (from green tea – Camellia sinensis extract), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) extract, valerian (Valeriana officinalis) extract, and saffron extract (Crocus sativus), or placebo, during six weeks. We enrolled and randomised 64 individuals, of whom 31 from the active group and 27 from the placebo group completed the six-week follow-up. Mean sleep efficiency remained unmodified in the active group, and increased by 3% in the placebo group, the between-group difference in the change was not statistically significant (p = 0.49). Total sleep time also improved more with placebo (13.0 vs. 1.33 minutes, p = 0.66). Time wake after sleep onset (WASO) decreased more in the active group (4.6% vs. 2.4%), but the difference was not significant (p = 0.33). Mean PSQI decreased by 3.11 points (32.3%) in the active group, and by 3.86 points (39.5%) in the placebo group (p = 0.41). SF-36 increased more with placebo (+ 18.3 in active, + 32.1 in placebo, p = 0.68). Salivary cortisol remained unchanged in both groups. No serious adverse events were reported. Among adults with mildly impaired sleep, a nutraceutical combination did not improve objective or subjective sleep parameters more than a placebo infusion.
Enhanced Biocompatibility and Multifunctional Properties of Iron-Doped Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for Applications
Authors: Foyshal M. , Kabir M. F. , Islam A. , Ferdousy J. , Islam M. R. , Rahman M. M.
Published: October 2023

Nanoparticles' enhanced biocompatibility and multifunctional properties for medical applications, including advanced drug delivery systems, nanotheranostics, in vivo imaging, and electronic device fabrication, have attracted considerable interest. ZnO and iron-doped ZnO (Fe:ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using the wet-chemical process. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis illustrates that the crystallite dimension of these nanoparticles decreased as iron (Fe) concentration increased up to 20 wt%. The crystallite dimension reduced from 89.63 nm to 70.47 nm as the iron content grew, and then it continued to increase as the iron proportion increased. The particle size of these nanoparticles was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and determined to be between 80 nm and 110 nm. The functional group of active Fe:ZnO samples shows the FT-IR peaks at approximately 399 cm− 1, 750 cm− 1, between 3500 cm− 1 and 3600 cm− 1, and 1420 cm− 1 ascribed to the Zn-O, -CH2-NH2, -OH, and -CO vibrations, respectively. Whereas the peaks at 2860 cm− 1 and 2925 cm− 1 were attributed to the -CH3 and -CH2 stretching vibrations, respectively. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) was also used to determine the hydrodynamic diameter of ZnO and Fe:ZnO NPs. Zeta potential values for ZnO, Fe10%:ZnO, Fe20%:ZnO, and Fe30%:ZnO were 0.2 mV, 0.4 mV, 0.6 mV, and 0.9 mV, respectively. All samples exhibited strong absorption peaks at 350 nm in the UV region. The band gap energy of Fe:ZnO decreased as the Fe concentration increased. The band gap energies calculated using UV-Vis data were at about 3.06 eV, 2.92 eV, 2.82 eV, and 2.78 eV for ZnO, Fe10%:ZnO, Fe20%:ZnO, and Fe30%:ZnO, respectively. The outcomes of the research may have potential applications in semiconductor device fabrication, including spintronics and nanomedicine.
Next generation sequencing based exploration of potential candidate variants and microRNAs in patients with idiopathic Hypospermatogenesis sub-type of Non-Obstructive Azoozpermia
Authors: Sharma Nisha , Halder Ashutosh , Kaushal Seema , Kumar Manoj , JAIN MANISH
Published: October 2023

Hypospermatogenesis (HS) is among the most prevalent histopathological subtype of primary testicular failure and is characterized by a decrease in the total number of germ cells within the seminiferous tubules, leading to azoospermia or oligospermia. Spermatozoa retrieval for intracytoplasmic sperm injection in hypospermatogenesis cases has a high success rate, but there is a risk that the progeny will inherit genomic and epigenetic causative factors. A multifactorial etiology is associated with all subtypes of primary testicular failure, and a broad multiomics approach is required to identify and classify them. Due to the rare nature of the condition, a total of 30 HS patients were recruited and based on availability of blood and testicular tissue samples whole exome sequencing and miRNA sequencing was performed. In-silico analysis and prediction tools were used for target and pathway prediction. Exome sequencing revealed copy number variants in the TLK1 and MTOR genes and single nucleotide variants in the CDC27 and TUBB8 genes. Small RNA sequencing and nCounter miRNA expression analysis showed differential miRNA expression profile of 240 downregulated and 186 upregulated miRNAs in HS patients. The in-silico prediction using the miRNA profile showed evidence for cellular proliferation and differentiation pathways as important targets.