bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new species of Lejeunea (Lejeuneaceae) from Papua New Guinea
Authors: LEE GAIK EE , HE XIAOLAN
Published: May 2024

A newly discovered species, Lejeunea timokoponenii, from Sandaun Province (formerly West Sepik Province), Papua New Guinea is described and illustrated. Lejeunea timokoponenii is characterized by its upwards-curling leaf margins, large, reniform underleaves, well-developed trigones and conspicuous intermediate thickenings, fully incurved lobule free-margins, and undulate-keeled perianths with a 5–6 cells long beak.
A review of the genus Dodia Dyar, 1901 (Lepidoptera: Erebidae, Arctiinae) with description of a new remarkable species from the Russian Far East
Authors: KOSHKIN EVGENY S.
Published: May 2024

The species of the genus Dodia Dyar, 1901 are reviewed. Diagnosis, distribution, and known ecological features are given for each species. For D. transbaikalensis Tshistjakov, 1988 and D. sikhotensis Tshistjakov, 1988, the structure of the everted vesica is shown for the first time, confirming their species status. Photographs of adults of these species are also presented for the first time. A new species, Dodia zhenya sp. n., is described from the Khingan-Bureya Highlands (Khabarovsk Krai, Russian Far East). The new species is characterized by the unique pattern of the forewings and the structure of the male genitalia, especially the vesica. In addition, D. zhenya sp. n. differs significantly from other species of the genus Dodia by COI p-distance (2.8–6.8 %) and the presence of six unique sites on the COI.
Remarkable sexual dimorphism found in Nosophora insignis (Butler) (Lepidoptera, Crambidae, Spilomelinae)
Authors: MATSUI YUKI , KOHAMA SARI , NAKA HIDESHI
Published: May 2024

An unidentified spilomeline moth, “Nosophora sp.” was first illustrated by Inoue (1982) from Japan. Since little is known about the immature stage of “Nosophora sp.”, we attempted to rear this species from eggs. As a result, we found that “Nosophora sp.” can be successfully reared on Quercus serrata Murray and Q. glauca Thunb. Surprisingly, of the adults that emerged, all females showed the “Nosophora sp.” phenotypes, while all males showed the N. insignis (Butler, 1881) phenotypes. We also found that the mitochondrial COI sequences of “Nosophora sp.” and N. insignis are completely identical. Based on these results, we concluded that “Nosophora sp.” and N. insignis represent the sexual dimorphisms of the same species, and redescribed N. insignis.
A new species of Eustomias (Nominostomias) (Stomiiformes: Stomiidae) from the Kermadec Ridge—Tonga Trench region, western South Pacific Ocean, with notes on the barbel morphology of E. trewavasae
Authors: STEWART ANDREW L. , KENALEY CHRISTOPHER P. , SUTTON TRACY
Published: May 2024

A new species of dragonfish Eustomias (Nominostomias) robertsi is described from the western South Pacific Ocean. The new species, the first record of a member of Eustomias (Nominostomias) Group III (sensu Gibbs et al. 1983) from the region, it is most similar to Eustomias suluensis in barbel morphology. However, it has a smaller proximal and distal bulb distance, the smallest distal inter–bulb value in the group, and much longer terminal filaments.
Comments are also provided on the morphology of the diagnostic features on the barbel of Eustomias trewavasae, including an important character overlooked in the original description of the species. The barbel morphology is redescribed taking this into account.
A brief observation is made recording the first record of the subgenus Triclonostomias from the western South Pacific Ocean.
On three species of ctenids (Araneae: Ctenidae) from Tibet, China
Authors: WANG LU-YU , IRFAN MUHAMMAD , ZHANG FENG , ZHANG ZHI-SHENG
Published: May 2024

Three species of the spider family Ctenidae Keyserling, 1877 are recorded from Tibet of China, including two new species described here: Amauropelma medogensis sp. nov. (♂♀) and Bowie rotundus sp. nov. (♂♀) from Medog. The new collection data of Anahita medog Li & Yao, 2022 (♂♀) from Medog and Chayu is added. Photos of habitus, copulatory organs, and illustrations of copulatory organs, as well as the locality map of all three species are provided.
First record of the genus Exilipedronia Williams, 1960 (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae) in China, with description of a new species on bamboo
Authors: TAN ZHIXIANG , XING JICHUN
Published: May 2024

The mealybug genus Exilipedronia Williams, 1960 (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae) is reported for the first time from Guizhou Province, China, based on a new species found infesting Bambusa sp. (Poaceae). It is described as Exilipedronia multipori Tan & Xing sp. n., and habitat photographs and illustrations are provided. The type material of E. multipori is deposited at the Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China (GUGC) and in the insect collection at the Department of Forestry Protection, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China (NFUC). A key to all three species of Exilipedronia is provided.
Contribution to the hyaliodine fauna (Miridae: Deraeocorinae: Hyaliodini) of New Caledonia with a description of two new species and a checklist of New Caledonian plant bugs
Authors: GIERLASIŃSKI GRZEGORZ , TASZAKOWSKI ARTUR
Published: May 2024

Two new species of the Montagneria Akingbohungbe, 1978—M. barbarae sp. nov. and M. nataliae sp. nov.—are diagnosed and described. Photographic images of habitus and genital structures, as well as scanning electron micrographs of the selected structures of both species are provided. The gland openings located on the thorax are figured and discussed. New records of three hyaliodine species, Femurocoris spinosus Carvalho, 1977, Montagneria cuneatus (Distant, 1920), and M. nigroscutellatum (Distant, 1920) in New Caledonia are also presented. Moreover, a checklist of the Miridae species of New Caledonia is given.
The oldest Rhantus (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae) from the earliest Eocene Fur Formation, Denmark
Authors: PROKIN ALEXANDER A. , HÁJEK JIŘÍ , VASILENKO DMITRY V. , PERKOVSKY EVGENY E.
Published: May 2024

†Rhantus villumi sp. nov. is described and illustrated on the basis of a single specimen from the earliest Eocene Fur Formation, Denmark. With an estimated age of ca. 55.4 Ma, it represents the oldest member of an extant genus of the family Dytiscidae. However, the presence of Rhantus in the early Eocene is only slightly older than previous estimates, and generally agrees well with phylogenetic analyses of the subfamily Colymbetinae. The presence of a predominantly temperate genus in the presumably warm Lagerstätte is briefly discussed, supporting the hypothesis of temporary cooling, as suggested by several other invertebrate records from the Fur Formation. It is suggested that the new species could feed on mosquito larvae, which are known from the Lagerstätte. Finally, a record of another Dytiscidae species from the same locality is mentioned, but, due to poor preservation and lack of diagnostic characters, this fossil remains unidentified to genus or species level.
Ceratonotha, a new erotylid genus (Coleoptera, Erotylidae) from late Eocene amber
Authors: LYUBARSKY G. YU. , VASILENKO D.V. , PERKOVSKY E. E.
Published: May 2024

Ceratonotha danica gen. nov., sp. nov., a new genus and species of Erotylidae (Coleoptera), is described and illustrated from Eocene Danish amber. Ceratonotha is morphologically similar to fossil erotylids from European amber, differing from them mainly in the length of the 4th tarsomere. Cycadophila mumia Alekseev & Bukejs, 2017, described from Baltic amber, belongs in this new genus and is here transferred, becoming Ceratonotha mumia (Alekseev & Bukejs) comb. nov..
A new species of genus Campodorus (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) from China
Authors: WEI YA-WEI , SHENG YUAN-JÜ
Published: May 2024

A new species of the genus Campodorus Förster, 1869, C. concavus Wei & Sheng, sp. nov., collected from the Research Station of Liaohe-River Plain Forest Ecosystem, Zhangwu, Liaoning Province, and the forest of Pinggu District, Beijing, China, is described and illustrated. A key to the similar species of Campodorus is provided.
Stability and Reactivity of Two Benzimidazole Hydrazide-Hydrazone Compounds: A Theoretical Study by DFT Method
Authors: Assoma Amon , Bede Affoué , Achi Patrick-Armand , Coulibali Siomenan
Published: May 2024

This work contributes to theoretical chemistry’s knowledge of benzimidazole-hydrazide-hydrazone. Indeed, hydrazides-hydrazones-benzimidazoles have shown anticancer, antibacterial, antiparasitic activities, and many other activities. A benzimidazole-hydrazide-hydrazone compound can exhibit four conformers: E/Z synperiplanar (Esp, Zsp) and E/Z antiperiplanar (Eap, Zap). Studies have indicated that the prevalence of these compounds is attributed to their stability and their tendency to readily bind to DNA. A theoretical study with advanced methods would make it possible to evaluate the stability of benzimidazole-hydrazide-hydrazone conformers. Therefore, we carried out this theoretical study on the conformers of two benzimidazoles-hydrazides-hydrazones denoted C1 and C2 wich differ by the presence of fluorine atom in the structure of C2. Specifically, we analyze the stability and the reactivity of the compounds based on the dipole moment, Gibbs free energy, HOMO and LUMO energies and UV-visible. For this purpose, calculations were performed in gas phase and DMSO using DFT and TD-DFT methods at the B3LYP/6-311+G(d, p) level theory. The dipole moment values show that Zap conformer is the most polar for both compounds. The Gibbs free energy indicate that Esp conformer emerges as the most stable for both compounds in both phases. The energy gap (ELUMO-EHOMO) and TD-DFT results suggest that Esp conformer is the most reactive conformer for the two compounds.
Conditions and Antimicrobial Resistant Profiles of Campylobacter Species from Cow Milk Samples in Oromia Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Haile Adane
Published: May 2024

Campylobacter is one of the major causes of gastroenteritis and is commonly transmitted through the consumption of raw milk or improperly pasteurized milk. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2019 to March 2020 in four study sites in the Oromia region of Ethiopia to isolate, identify, and estimate the prevalence of Campylobacter species in milk samples and to determine their antibiotic susceptibility pattern. A total of 384 cow milk samples were randomly chosen from 192 samples of raw milk from farmers and collectors and 192 samples of pasteurized milk from processors and retailers. Standard bacteriological techniques and PCR were used to isolate and identify Campylobacter spp. Of the total 384 milk samples, 35 (9.1%) were found to be positive for Campylobacter spp. The prevalence of Campylobacter spp. was highest in collector raw milk (13.5%), farmer raw milk (12.5%), and pasteurized milk (5.2%).The antibiotic susceptibility test was performed using the disc diffusion method. The most prevalent Campylobacter spp. isolated from milk samples was Campylobacter jejune (C. jejuni) (100%). The overall prevalence of Campylobacter in dairy value chains, including producer, collector, processor, and retailer, was 12.5%, 13.5%, 5.2%, and 5.2%, respectively. Cold storage, material type for making collection rooms, calibrating the pasteurizer machine, restricting milk handlers that are sick, means of transportation, and maintaining temperature during transportation had a statistically significant association. 100% and 8.6% of the Campylobacter isolates were sensitive to ciprofloxacin and chloramphenicol, respectively. However, all of the isolates were resistant to ampicillin, clindamycin, oxytetracycline, and trimethoprim. Moreover, 80% of the C. jejuni were resistant to tetracycline and streptomycin. 26% of the species developed ciprofloxacin degradation. The result of this study revealed the prevalence and risk factors of Campylobacter species in raw and pasteurized milk samples. Hence, there is a chance of acquiring infection via the consumption of raw or undercooked milk. Thus, the implementation of hygienic practices from the producer to the retailer's market, proper handling to avoid cross-contamination and proper pasteurization are very important in preventing Campylobacter infection.
The Role of the Aleutian Low in the Relationship between Spring Pacific Meridional Mode and Following ENSO
Authors: Zheng Yuqiong , Chen Shangfeng , Chen Wen , Wu Renguang , Wang Zhibiao , Yu Bin , Hu Peng , Piao Jinling
Published: May 2024

The spring Pacific meridional mode (PMM) is an important precursor of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). However, recent studies reported that only about half of the spring PMM events were followed by ENSO events. This study examines the role of internal climate variability in modulating the impact of PMM on ENSO using 100-member ensemble simulations of the Max Planck Institute Earth System Model (MPI-ESM). The relationship between spring PMM and following winter ENSO shows a large spread among the 100 members. The variation of spring Aleutian low (AL) intensity is identified to be an important factor modulating the PMM–ENSO relation. The spring AL affects the PMM–ENSO relationship by modifying PMM-generated low-level zonal wind anomalies over the tropical western Pacific. The strengthening of the spring AL is accompanied by westerly wind anomalies over the midlatitude northwestern Pacific, leading to sea surface temperature (SST) cooling there via an enhancement of upward surface heat flux. This results in increased meridional SST gradient and leads to northerly wind anomalies over the subtropical northwestern Pacific, which turn to surface westerly wind anomalies after reaching the equatorial western Pacific due to the conservation of potential vorticity. Thus, the low-level westerly (easterly) wind anomalies over the tropical western Pacific associated with the positive (negative) spring PMM were strengthened (weakened), which further contributes to an enhanced (a weakened) PMM–ENSO relation. The mechanism for the modulation of the AL on the spring PMM–ENSO relationship is verified by a set of AGCM simulations. This study suggests that the condition of the spring AL should be considered when predicting ENSO on the basis of the PMM.

Significance Statement

Spring Pacific meridional mode (PMM) is a predictor of ENSO, but not all spring PMM events are accompanied by the occurrence of ENSO events. This study aims to explore the influence of internal climate variability on the relationship between spring PMM and following ENSO. It is revealed that the Aleutian low exerts a crucial modulation on the spring PMM–ENSO relationship. The underlying physical mechanisms for the impact of the Aleutian low on the relationship between spring PMM and ENSO are further examined. The results of this study have important implications for improving the prediction of ENSO.
Realisation of Human Development through the UN Sustainable Development Goals: A Case Study of India and South Africa
Authors: Singh Utsav Kumar
Published: May 2024

This comparative article reviews the policy interventions framed to achieve human development within the framework of the UN Sustainable Development Goals in two emerging economies, namely, India and South Africa. It focuses on the instruments of development and their implications for addressing common macroeconomic challenges such as poverty, inequality, and unemployment by learning from the expertise of each other.
Reciprocating dry sliding wear behaviour of BN@MXene@AA7075 composites
Authors: Karaca Muhammet Mevlüt , Polat Safa , Esen İsmail
Published: May 2024

Aluminium alloys are preferred in various fields, especially in the aviation and automotive sectors, due to their lightweight and durable nature. However, their usage is limited due to weak tribological properties such as low hardness and high adhesion tendency against steel. In order to overcome this deficiency, this study aimed to develop AA7075 matrix composites reinforced with BN and MXene. The productions were conducted by powder metallurgy method with these reinforcements in different ratios, both together and separately. The produced composites were characterized primarily by XRD and SEM analyses, followed by measurement of density and porosity values. Wear tests were conducted using the reciprocating ball-on-flat method, at a frequency of 3 Hz, a sliding distance of 100 m, and a stroke distance of 5 mm, with Inox steel ball. The highest improvement in wear rate was realized under 5 N load at 5 wt.% reinforcement ratios of 48% and 42% for BN and MXene, respectively. When 2 wt% BN and MXene reinforcements were applied together, the improvement rate remained around 34%. It can be said that BN and MXene show promising results by providing significant improvements compared to their counterparts in the literature, with MXene especially warranting further investigation.
Optimized carotenoid production and antioxidant capacity of Gordonia hongkongensis
Authors: Rhenals-Montoya Paula , Villamil Luisa , Sánchez-Suárez Jeysson , Díaz Luis , Coy-Barrera Ericsson
Published: May 2024

The current emphasis within the cosmetic market on sustainable ingredients has heightened the exploration of new sources for natural, active components. Actinomycetota, recognized for producing pigments with bioactive potential, offer promising functional cosmetic ingredients. This study aimed to optimize pigment and antioxidant metabolite production from the Gordonia hongkongensis strain EUFUS-Z928 by implementing the Plackett-Burman experimental design and response surface methodology. Extracts derived from this strain exhibited no cytotoxic activity against human primary dermal fibroblast (HDFa, ATCC® PCS-201-012™, Primary Dermal Fibroblast; Normal, Human, Adult). Eight variables, including inoculum concentration, carbon and nitrogen source concentration, NaCl concentration, pH, incubation time, temperature, and stirring speed, were analyzed using the Plackett-Burman experimental design. Subsequently, factors significantly influencing pigment and antioxidant metabolite production, such as temperature, inoculum concentration, and agitation speed, were further optimized using response surface methodology and Box-Behnken design. The results demonstrated a substantial increase in absorbance (from 0.091 to 0.32), DPPH radical scavenging capacity (from 27.60% to 84.61%), and ABTS radical scavenging capacity (from 17.39% to 79.77%) compared to responses obtained in the isolation medium. The validation of the mathematical model accuracy exceeded 90% for all cases. Furthermore, liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS) facilitated the identification of compounds potentially responsible for enhanced pigment production and antioxidant capacity in extracts derived from G. hongkongensis. Specifically, six carotenoids, red-orange pigments with inherent antioxidant capacity, were identified as the main enhanced compounds. This comprehensive approach effectively optimized the culture conditions and medium of a G. hongkongensis strain, resulting in enhanced carotenoid production and antioxidant capacity. Beyond identifying bioactive compounds and their potential cosmetic applications, this study offers insights into the broader industrial applicability of these extracts. It underscores the potential of G. hongkongensis and hints at the future utilization of other untapped sources of rare actinomycetes within the industry.
Why mixed communities regeneration fails to improve the lives of low-income young people
Authors: Khazbak Rana
Published: May 2024

The demolition and replacement of social housing with mixed income communities is thought to mitigate the harmful effects of growing up in geographical concentrations of poverty and improve the life chances of low-income populations. However, there is little evidence on how young people are impacted by mixed communities regeneration prevalent in many cities across the Western world. This paper examines the mechanisms through which the capabilities of low-income young people are influenced by transforming their social housing estate into a mixed income community. It draws on participatory research with teenagers and adult stakeholders in a London mixed income neighbourhood. The findings suggest that mixed communities regeneration perpetuates the social injustices that young people from disadvantaged backgrounds experience in the city. The paper identifies and unpacks the mechanisms of stigmatisation, exclusion, social inequalities, community fragmentation and marginalisation of youth voices implicated in these injustices. These mechanisms constrain many of the capabilities young people value including their ability to benefit from their neighbourhood’s regeneration.
Optimal design of the side sensitive group runs double sampling (SSGRDS) X¯ scheme with estimated process parameters
Authors: Chong Zhi Lin , Yeong Wai Chung , Khaw Khai Wah , Chew XinYing , Teoh Wei Lin
Published: May 2024

The side sensitive group runs double sampling (SSGRDS) [Formula: see text] scheme is previously studied under the known process parameters (Case-K) assumption. As the process parameters are hardly known in practical situations, they must be estimated using a suitably chosen in-control (IC) Phase-I sample. However, various studies demonstrated that a substantial amount of Phase-I sample is necessary so that the scheme with unknown process parameters (Case-U) attains a performance almost similar to that of the Case-K counterpart. Since it is challenging to acquire a vast number of IC samples, we examine the optimal designs of the Case-U SSGRDS [Formula: see text] scheme such that the average number of observations to signal (ANOS) and expected ANOS (EANOS) are minimised. The optimal parameters obtained for the Case-U SSGRDS [Formula: see text] scheme enable it to have a performance comparable to that of the Case-K counterpart, without the need for a large number of Phase-I samples. We show that the Case-U SSGRDS [Formula: see text] scheme is effective in identifying the process mean shift of a silicon epitaxial process.
Psychosocial Perspectives on Child Mental Health in Custody Disputes: A Qualitative Study from Urban Bengaluru
Authors: Nambiar Priyanka P. , Jangam Kavita V. , Seshadri Shekhar P.
Published: May 2024

Background:

Divorce has become a common contemporary phenomenon in India. In this context, the child is pulled into the vortex of parental disputes over the child’s custody. The spiteful and protracted nature of these legal cases adversely affects the child’s mental health. Despite the growing research in the Western context, the understanding of this phenomenon and its psychosocial impact on children in India is still in its infancy. In this background, this study aimed to explore key child mental health and related psychosocial issues in the context of child custody cases in urban India.

Method:

The study explored the psychosocial complexities of child custody cases by interviewing 24 key informants using a semi-structured interview guide. The key informants comprised seven mental health professionals and seven legal professionals working in the area of child custody and access. It also included 10 parents who were contesting parties in child custody cases. They were selected using a purposive sampling method over a period of 6 months.

Results:

Seven themes identified using thematic analysis were: (a) parent–child relationship and interaction; (b) parenting dynamics; (c) parental mental health issues; (d) malicious acts by parents; (e) child’s adjustment to changes in life; (f) issues in the school context; and (g) child mental health issues.

Conclusion:

This study highlighted the potential risk factors in the familial context that adversely affect the child’s well-being and mental health in custody disputes. Therefore, interventions at the family level in the legal setting are crucial in the mitigation of these risks. In child custody cases, the coordination and liaison of child mental health professionals with the judicial system is crucial for child mental health promotion and safeguarding the best interests of the child.
Primary brain lymphoma and glioblastoma: evaluation of DCE T1 and DSC T2 MRI perfusion findings
Authors: Soydan Hamza , Sözmen Cılız Deniz , Cesur Turay , Tezgör Aksakal Eda
Published: May 2024

Background

The accurate differentiation of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) from glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is clinically crucial due to the different treatment strategies between them.

Purpose

To define magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) perfusion findings in PCNSL to make a safe distinction from GBM with dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) T1 and DSC T2 MRI perfusion findings.

Material and Methods

This retrospective analysis included 19 patients with histopathologically diagnosed PCNSL and 21 individuals with GBM. DCE T1 vascular permeability perfusion values including K-trans, Ve, Kep, IAUGC, and DSC T2 perfusion values including cerebral blood volume (CBV) and cerebral blood flow (CBF) in axial sections from the pathological lesion and contralateral normal brain parenchyma were measured quantitatively using region of interest analysis.

Results

The study observed no statistically significant difference between patients with PCNSL (T/B cell) and GBM in the median values of DCE T1 perfusion ratios ( P > 0.05). Nevertheless, the DSC T2 perfusion ratios showed a substantial distinction between the two groups. In contrast to patients with PCNSL (1.185 vs. 1.224, respectively), those with GBM had higher median levels of r-CBV and r-CBF (2.898 vs. 2.467, respectively; P 0.01). A cutoff value of ≤1.473 for r-CBV (Lesion/N) and ≤1.6005 for r-CBF (Lesion/N) was found to estimate the positivity of PCNSL.

Conclusion

DSC T2 MRI perfusion values showed lower r-CBV and r-CBF values in PCNSL patients compared to GBM patients. According to the findings, r-CBV and r-CBF are the most accurate MRI perfusion parameters for distinguishing between PCSNL and GBM.
Phase field simulation on the synergistic variation of solidification structure morphology and segregation for continuous casting process of high carbon steel billets
Authors: Guo Kunhui , Hou Zibing , Yi Kai , Peng Zhiqiang , Cao Jianghai
Published: May 2024

The Fe-0.82 wt.% C binary alloy was taken as an example to simulate the solidification process of high carbon steel continuous casting billet by phase field method. Synergistic changes of solidification structure morphology and solute element segregation at different solidification stages were studied. The thickness of solute diffusion layer at solidification interface decreased with increasing cooling rate and undercooling. Increasing the degree of undercooling and decreasing the cooling rate was beneficial to increase the degree of complexity. For the segregation of C element, in the early stage of solidification, the greater the degree of undercooling and the cooling rate, the smaller the segregation ratio; and in the late stage of solidification, the degree of undercooling had little effect on segregation ratio, and the greater the cooling rate, the greater the segregation ratio. Therefore, high undercooling and cooling rate should be maintained in the early stage of solidification.
Development and application of new technology for ultra-low phosphorus steel production in converter
Authors: Liu Yang , Hao Ning , Lv Yan-chun , Yu Hui-xiang , Chen Bin , Ma Chang-wen
Published: May 2024

Phosphorus must be reduced to less than 20ppm for the products subject to hydrogen resistance and other hostile environments. The current dephosphorization process in converter has not reached this level. In this study, the dephosphorization slag with ultra-high Lp was studied, and the kinetic conditions of dephosphorization reaction were optimized too. The industrial production was carried out in a 200t converter in Shougang Jingtang, and the production process was ‘KR-BOF-LF-VD-CC'. By the double slag process in converter, phosphorus contents were reduced to 3.8-11.0ppm in one casting consequence of 10 heats, and the average phosphorus was 7.3ppm. The average tap to tap time was 42min. This technology was successfully applied in the production of 9Ni steel, acid resistant steel and hydrogen resistant steel. 53800 tons of ultra-low phosphorus molten steel have been successfully produced.
Effect of CaO/Al2O3 on electrical conductivity, viscosity and structure of electroslag remelting-type TiO2-bearing slag
Authors: Ju Jiantao , He Kun , Qiu Guoxing , Zhou Yuan
Published: May 2024

The composition of electroslag has a great influence on the remelting behaviour, and the electrical conductivity and viscosity of slag directly affect the energy consumption and the surface quality of the alloy. The electrical conductivity and viscosity of CaF2–CaO–Al2O3–SiO2–MgO–TiO2 slag system with different CaO/Al2O3 (0.9–1.8) were measured by a high-temperature physical property measuring instrument, and the structure of the slag was analysed by FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. The results showed that the electrical conductivity increased from 0.027 to 0.071 S · cm−1 and viscosity decreased from 0.58 to 0.27 Pa s with the temperature rising from 1733 to 1823 K. The activation energy of each slag system increases and then decreases. The higher the temperature, the stronger the ion mobility in the melt. There is an inflection point for electrical conductivity and viscosity when the CaO/Al2O3 is 1.2. With the increase of Ca2+ and the conversion of free O2−, [AlO6] and [AlF6] to Q2, Q3 and Q4, the decrease of melt degree of polymerisation (DOP) leads to the decrease of carrier diffusion ability. As DOP of Q2, Q3 and Q4 continue to increase, the electrical conductivity begins to decrease and the viscosity increases. The linear equations of viscosity and electrical conductivity are established according to the experimental results.
Effect of boron on microstructure and mechanical properties of Al-killed high-strength low-alloy steel
Authors: Huang Fei , Li Jing , Zang Ruoyu
Published: May 2024

Through the application of experimental analysis and mechanical characterisation, the influence of boron on the microstructure, strength and impact toughness of Al-killed high-strength low-alloy steel was examined. The results showed that with increasing boron content, the area fraction and average size of martensite–austenite constituents increased by 11.8% and 2.04 μm, respectively. Owing to the strengthening and combining effects of boron, the proportion of low angle grain boundaries in the boron-containing steel increased from 67.94% to 79.41% in comparison to the boron-free steel. After adding 0.0014% boron, the tensile and yield strength increased by 14.65% and 3.66%, respectively, due to the increasing content of martensite–austenite constituents. The long strip and large-sized martensite–austenite constituents of the steel matrix with 0.003% boron easily became the source of cracks and facilitated crack propagation, resulting in a decrease in strength. The toughness tested at −20 °C of the steel was severely worsened after adding boron, and the impact absorbed energy decreased from 105 to 7.4 J. This was because boron increased the martensite–austenite constituents, low angle grain boundaries and random boundaries, which favoured crack generation and propagation during the impact process, resulting in a sharp deterioration of toughness.
Exploring the Association Between Adult Education, Personality Traits, and Civic Participation: An Analysis of National Education Panel Study Data
Authors: Klinkhammer Dennis , Rüther Julia , Schemmann Michael
Published: May 2024

Building on previous work on the civic returns of adult learning, this article examines the association between adult education, personality traits, and demands for civic participation or volunteering. Based on National Education Panel Study data, the study finds openness to be a crucial personality trait for participating in further training, as well as for civic participation, as it relates to competence and self-confidence in dealing with new demands. Extraversion is required for social interaction and communication with other participants. The study also shows that participants in further private training engage more at the management level of volunteering, where demands such as leadership and organizational talent are emphasized. The findings consider sociological factors such as the role of peers.
A Novel JAK1 Inhibitor SHR0302 Combined With Prednisone for First-Line Treatment of Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease: A Phase I Clinical Trial
Authors: He Qiaomei , Sun Xi , Niu Jiahua , Yang Jun , Wang Ying , Huang Chongmei , Zhou Kun , Tong Yin , Cai Yu , Dong Baoxia , Wan Liping , Song Xianmin , Qiu Huiying
Published: May 2024

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is a potentially life-threatening complication after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Standard steroid first-line treatment could not satisfy therapeutic needs due to limited efficacy. As a highly selective Janus kinase (JAK) 1 inhibitor, SHR0302 exhibits a reduced inhibition effect on JAK2 and might have less effect on hematopoiesis. This phase I clinical trial investigated the tolerability and safety of SHR0302 in combination with prednisone, and its early efficacy evidence as a potential first-line treatment to moderate/severe cGVHD. The standard 3 + 3 dose escalation was implemented to find the optimal dose of SHR0302. And prednisone was concurrently administrated with a dose of 1 mg/kg/d and then gradually tapered after 2 weeks. Eighteen patients were enrolled into the study. Grade ≥ 3 treatment-related adverse events were observed in 38.9% of patients. Only one patient developed DLT (grade ≥ 3 hypercholesterolemia) in the highest dose-level group who had pre-existing hypercholesterolemia. The maximum tolerated dose was not reached. No patient discontinued treatment due to AEs. Sixteen out of 18 patients were evaluable for responses, the ORR at week 4 and week 24 were 94.4 and 87.5%, respectively. Overall, the treatment of SHR0302 combined with prednisone was safe and well-tolerated, preliminary clinical results presented a high response for previously untreated cGVHD and a significant reduction in prednisone use in this study. A phase II trial will be conducted to further investigate its therapeutic effects clinically.
Book review: Salma Siddique, Evacuee Cinema: Bombay and Lahore in Partition Transit (1940–1960)
Authors: Arora Anupama
Published: May 2024

Salma Siddique, Evacuee Cinema: Bombay and Lahore in Partition Transit (1940–1960) (Cambridge University Press, 2023), 276 pp. $13.95, ISBN: 978-10-0915-120-7 (Hardback).
Venous Thromboembolism Risk and Adherence to Pharmacological Thromboprophylaxis in Hospitalized Patients in Uruguay: First Nationwide Study
Authors: Mérola Valentina , Pizzarossa Ana Carina , López Maynés , Peverelli Franco , Bruno Gustavo , González Mariana , Roca Federico , Dentone Leticia , Pérez Gerardo , Da Silveira Lucía , Díaz Lilián , Tafuri Josefina , Cuadro Rosario , Zaquiere Martín , Bartaburu Guillermina , Pacello Franco , Celio Carina , López María José , Viana Marcelo , Fraga Laura , Blanco Valeria , Chalart Paula , Leal Daniel , Rodríguez Xilef , Teti Laura , Goñi Carolina , Infante Eduardo , Prícoli Alejandra , Altieri Victoria , Guillermo Cecilia , Martínez Rosario
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious, frequent, and preventable medical complication in hospitalized patients. Although the efficacy of prophylaxis (pharmacological and/or mechanical) has been demonstrated, compliance with prophylaxis is poor at international and national levels.

Aim

To determine the indication and use of pharmacological thromboprophylaxis in hospitalized patients in Uruguay.

Methods

An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, multicentre study involving 31 nationwide healthcare facilities was conducted. Baseline characteristics associated with hospital admission, the percentage of the population with an indication for thromboprophylaxis, and the percentage of patients receiving pharmacological thromboprophylaxis were assessed. The VTE risk was determined using the Padua score for medical patients; the Caprini score for surgical patients; the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) guidelines for pregnant-postpartum patients.

Results

1925 patients were included, representing 26% of hospitalized patients in Uruguay. 71.9% of all patients were at risk of VTE. Of all patients at risk of VTE, 58.6% received pharmacological thromboprophylaxis. The reasons for not receiving thromboprophylaxis were prescribing omissions in 16.1% of cases, contraindication in 15.9% and 9.4% of patients were already anticoagulated for other reasons. Overall, just 68% of patients were “protected” against VTE. Recommendations of major thromboprophylaxis guidelines were followed in 70.1% of patients at risk.

Conclusions

Despite the progress made in adherence to thromboprophylaxis indications, nonadherence remains a problem, affecting one in six patients at risk of VTE in Uruguay
Meticulous catheter care and aseptic approach reduce catheter-related bloodstream infections significantly in hemodialysis patients: A 5-year single center study
Authors: Mai Yan-fen , Cui Li-wen , Wang Gang , Tan Qiu-zhen , Xian Shao-fang , Pai Pearl
Published: May 2024

Aim:

The use of central venous catheters as hemodialysis vascular access is a major contributor to high bloodstream infection rate. In our dialysis unit in Shenzhen Guangdong Province China, we have developed and used our own dialysis catheter care protocol since May 2013 with good results. In this study, we would like to share our experience with the other units.

Methods:

We have undertaken a 5-year retrospective analysis to determine our tunneled dialysis catheter-related blood stream infection rate by adding the number of infections divided by total number of catheter days × 1000. The results were compared with another study carried out in Henan Province China. Demographic data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Continuous and categorical variables were compared using t-test and χ2 test respectively.

Results:

Between 2017 and 2021, a total of 216 tunneled dialysis catheters were managed by following our own dialysis access pathway and catheter care protocol. The tunneled dialysis catheter-related bloodstream infection rate was 0.0229 per 1000 catheter days in the 5-year period.

Conclusion:

Comparing with other published studies in China, our unit has achieved a very low rate of tunneled dialysis catheter-related bloodstream infection which has been sustained over time. This paper explores how our protocol and implementation might have contributed to the results.
Disrupting pathological Indigenous crime narratives: Māori youth classified as serious offenders, cultural identity, and cultural connectedness
Authors: Cliffe-Tautari (Te Arawa, Ngāi Tahu) Tania
Published: May 2024

Rangatahi Māori (Māori youth, Indigenous people of New Zealand) are grossly over-represented in youth court statistics compared to other ethnicities (63%). Despite these statistics, research into cultural identity is sparse. This article presents recent PhD findings with 10 rangatahi Māori sentenced for offending behaviours, appearing in a New Zealand Youth Court or Ngā Kōti Rangatahi (Māori cultural led Youth Court). Findings indicated that whakapapa (genealogical) connections, te reo Māori (the Māori language), and culture influence a positive cultural identity and cultural pride in rangatahi Māori. Whānau (family) relationships support the transmission of cultural knowledge and remain pivotal to feeling culturally connected. In this PhD study, cultural pride enabled the participants to navigate systemic bias, racial profiling, and negative societal attitudes. These findings quash the deficit cultural disconnection trope and disrupt pathological crime narratives that Māori youth who offend are disconnected, dislocated, and disassociated from their cultural identity as Māori.
Reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the Pregnancy and Weight Gain Attitude Scale
Authors: Kurashima Yuki , Shiraishi Mie , Harada Rio , Chiba Takako , Matsuzaki Masayo
Published: May 2024

This study aimed to develop the Japanese version of the Pregnancy and Weight Gain Attitude Scale (J-PWGAS) as a measurement of body image regarding body weight and shape during pregnancy. This cross-sectional study was conducted at a perinatal medical center in Osaka, Japan, between March and November 2020. We recruited pregnant women in their second or third trimester, who were 20 years old or older and without pregnancy complications. This study evaluated the criterion validity, construct validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability. Of the participants, 218 and 102 women participated in the validation and test-retest reliability studies, respectively. An exploratory factor analysis revealed a 17-item, five-factor structure. The J-PWGAS indicated acceptable criterion validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability. The J-PWGAS can measure attitudes toward gestational weight gain in Japanese pregnant women and would be useful in examining the association of body image with weight gain and psychological status during pregnancy.
Exploring the intersection of children and food in tourism and hospitality
Authors: Buczkowska-Gołąbek Karolina , Schänzel Heike
Published: May 2024

The purpose of the article, which takes the form of a bibliometric scoping analysis, is to expand the discourse of children’s position in tourism and hospitality scholarship from a food perspective and to highlight the emergent nature of research focused on the important and changing role food plays for children when they travel. The Extension for Scoping Reviews’ approach (PRISMA-ScR) was applied to identify suitable articles which resulted in six theoretical and empirical themes on the intersection of children and food in tourism and hospitality undertaken by researchers in a time frame of 25 years. The original contribution of this article lies in delineating a future research agenda and recommending a child-inclusive approach to academic scholarship as part of a broader social justice and childism agenda.
Comparing Post-operative Pain and Other Outcomes in Carotid Endarterectomy Versus Transcarotid Artery Revascularization
Authors: Dorey Trevor , Parmiter Sara , Sanders Jamie , Turcotte Justin , Jeyabalan Geetha
Published: May 2024

Background

Transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) is growing in popularity. Although major clinical end-points such as stroke rate and mortality are well-known, patient reported outcomes such as pain, and length of stay are among the purported benefits that are as yet untested. We sought to determine if there are differences in pain and other clinical outcomes when comparing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and TCAR.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of 326 patients undergoing TCAR (n = 50) or CEA (n = 276) from 2019-2023. Primary outcomes of interest were maximum pain numeric rating scales (NRS) reported in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) and on postoperative days (POD) zero and 1, and oral morphine milligram equivalents (OMMEs) received intraoperatively through POD1. Secondary outcomes included length of stay (LOS), complications, and 30-day emergency department (ED) returns/readmissions.

Results

Fifty TCAR and 150 CEA patients were included in the propensity score matched cohorts. TCAR patients reported lower pain-NRS in PACU ( P < .001) and on POD0 ( P = .002), but similar pain scores on POD1 ( P = .112). Postoperatively, TCAR patients were less likely to receive opioids (52% vs 75.3%, P = .003) and received less OMME from PACU through POD1 (12.8 ± 16.2 vs 23.2 ± 27.2, P = .001). After adjusting for age, sex, BMI, prior chronic opioid use, and prior carotid surgery, TCAR patients were approximately 70% less likely to receive post-operative opioids. No significant differences in LOS, 30-day ED returns/readmissions, or complications were observed between groups.

Conclusions

Compared with CEA, patients undergoing TCAR reported lower pain scores and consumed fewer narcotics overall. However, the absolute difference was modest, and pain scores were low in both cohorts. Differences in pain and post-operative narcotic use may be of less importance when deciding between TCAR and CEA. Total non-opioid protocols may be feasible in both approaches.
Salicylic Acid and Gemma-Aminobutyric Acid Mediated Regulation of Growth, Metabolites, Antioxidant Defense System and Nutrient Uptake in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Under Arsenic Stress
Authors: Nawaz Muhammad , Hussain Iqbal , Mahmood-ur-Rehman  , Ashraf Muhammad A. , Rasheed Rizwan
Published: May 2024

Background

Arsenic (As) is a highly toxic and carcinogenic pollutant commonly found in soil and water, posing significant risks to human health and plant growth.

Objective

The objectives of this study to evaluate morphological, biochemical, and physiological markers, as well as ion homeostasis, to alleviate the toxic effects of As in sunflowers through the exogenous application of salicylic acid (SA), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and their combination.

Methods

A pot experiment was conducted using two sunflower genotypes, FH-779 and FH-773, subjected to As stress (60 mg kg−1) to evaluate the effects of SA at 100 mg L−1, GABA at 200 mg L−1, and their combination on growth and related physiological and biochemical attributes under As stress.

Results

The study revealed that As toxicity had a detrimental effect on various growth parameters, chlorophyll pigments, relative water content, total proteins, and nutrient uptake in sunflower plants. It also led to increased oxidative stress, as indicated by higher levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), along with As accumulation in the roots and leaves. However, the application of SA and GABA protected against As-induced damage by enhancing the enzymatic antioxidant defense system. This was achieved through the activation of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD) activities, as well as an increase in osmolytes. They also improved nutrient acquisition and plant growth under As toxicity.

Conclusions

We investigated the regulatory roles of SA and GABA in mitigating arsenic-induced phytotoxic effects on sunflower. Our results revealed a significant interaction between SA and GABA in regulating growth, photosynthesis, metabolites, antioxidant defense systems, and nutrient uptake in sunflower under As stress. These findings provide valuable insights into plant defense mechanisms and strategies to enhance stress tolerance in contaminated environments. In the future, SA and GABA could be valuable tools for managing stress in other important crops facing abiotic stress conditions.