bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and characterization of an enhancer element regulating expression of Cdkn1c (p57 gene)
Authors: Koga Daisuke , Nakayama Shogo , Higa Tsunaki , Nakayama Keiichi I.
Published: October 2024

The mammalian p57 protein is a member of the CIP/KIP family of cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitors and plays an essential role in the development of multiple tissues during embryogenesis as well as in the maintenance of tissue stem cells in adults. Although several transcription factors have been implicated in regulating the p57 gene, cis‐elements such as enhancers that regulate its expression have remained ill‐defined. Here we identify a candidate enhancer for the mouse p57 gene (Cdkn1c) within an intron of the Kcnq1 locus by 4C‐seq analysis in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). Deletion of this putative enhancer region with the CRISPR‐Cas9 system or its suppression by CRISPR interference resulted in a marked attenuation of Cdkn1c expression in differentiating mESCs. Our results thus suggest that this region may serve as an enhancer for the p57 gene during early mouse embryogenesis.
Mixed‐alkali effect in the thermal collapse and melting kinetics of Zeolite X
Authors: Azar Ayda Nemati Vesali , Duval Alexis , Wondraczek Lothar
Published: October 2024

The thermal stability of zeolites underlies their many applications. Structural collapse usually occurs through a series of reactions, involving an initial low‐density amorphous state (LDA), a high‐density melt (HDA), and, eventually, a dense recrystallization product. The LDA–HDA transition resembles a glass melting process; the HDA phase can sometimes be quenched into a glass. Using isothermal as well as nonisothermal in situ observation methodology on the faujasitic zeolite X and its potassium‐for‐sodium ion‐exchanged derivatives, we find a pronounced mixed‐alkali effect in the characteristic nonisothermal transition temperatures as well as in the isothermal reaction timescale of the LDA–HDA transition. The latter is taken as being directly related to the viscosity of the liquid into which the zeolite framework is melting; the apparent viscosity associated with this melting process was found to reach as high as 1015 Pa.s at 740°C. The observed mixed‐alkali effect is similar to the one observed in the dynamics of common oxide glasses and their corresponding melts.
Impact of skin biopsy practices: A comprehensive nationwide study on skin cancer and melanoma biopsies
Authors: Nervil G. G. , Vestergaard T. , Klausen S. , Tolsgaard M. G. , Ternov N. K. , Hölmich L. R.
Published: October 2024

Background

Due to a multitude of factors, skin cancer incidence is increasing and challenges medical professionals in biopsy decision‐making. While skin cancer may have a profound impact on the patient and be costly for society, there is little knowledge about the number and cost of benign skin lesions biopsied as collateral damage.

Objectives

This study evaluates the number and costs of skin biopsies in Denmark over 15 years, focusing on benign and malignant skin lesions and melanomas across medical settings. It aims to determine the benign to malignant ratio (BMR) and number needed to biopsy (NNB) and estimate the direct cost of benign skin lesion biopsies in the Cancer Pathway from the perspective of a public healthcare system.

Methods

The study included 4,481,207 biopsy specimens from January 2007 to June 2022 from the Danish Pathology Data Bank, of which 151,988 from the Cancer Pathway were included in the primary analysis of BMR. The national reimbursement rates for biopsies were used, alongside histopathological examination costs extracted from several pathology departments, for a Monte‐Carlo simulation of a simple cost and sensitivity analysis.

Results

The number of biopsies increased by 39.1% from 2007 to 2021. Overall BMR for malignancy was 4.1:1, and NNB for melanoma was 31.8, but biopsies performed on clinical suspicion of malignancy or melanoma had a BMR and NNB of 1.5:1 and 2.8, respectively. The cost of benign skin biopsies performed on suspicion of cancer or melanoma in 2021 was €6.6M, predominantly in hospitals.

Conclusion

A healthcare system that employs filtering functions before biopsy of skin lesions can achieve some of the lowest BMR reported in the world, but with most benign skin lesion excisions due to suspicion of malignancy performed in the expensive hospital setting. Including clinical reason for biopsy in diagnostic accuracy studies using NNB is crucial.
FibroScan‐AST score for diagnosing fibrotic MASH: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of diagnostic test accuracy studies
Authors: Malandris Konstantinos , Arampidis Dimitrios , Mainou Maria , Papadopoulos Nikolaos , Karagiannis Thomas , Nayfeh Tarek , Liakos Aris , Sinakos Emmanouil , Tsapas Apostolos , Bekiari Eleni
Published: October 2024

Background and Aim

Following the approval of the first agent for the management of metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis (MASH), identification of patients with fibrotic MASH (MASH with NAS ≥ 4 and fibrosis stage ≥ 2) is crucial. We assessed the performance of FibroScan‐aspartate aminotransferase (AST) score (FAST) for ruling in/out fibrotic MASH.

Methods

We searched Medline, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, and gray literature sources up to January 11, 2024. Studies were eligible if they assessed the accuracy of FAST score for the detection of fibrotic MASH using biopsy as the reference standard at previously reported thresholds (FAST ≥ 0.67 for ruling‐in and ≤ 0.35 for ruling‐out fibrotic MASH). We calculated pooled sensitivity and specificity estimates for FAST thresholds alongside 95% confidence intervals following bivariate random‐ effects models. We assessed the certainty of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework.

Results

We included 16 studies with 8838 participants. A FAST score ≥ 0.67 yielded a pooled specificity of 0.87 (0.82–0.90) while a FAST score ≤ 0.35 yielded a summary sensitivity of 0.88 (0.83–0.91). At a prevalence of 30%, the positive predictive value for ruling‐in fibrotic MASH was 60% while the negative predictive value for ruling‐out the target condition was 91%. AST levels, cirrhosis prevalence, and number of pathologists reviewing biopsies were sources of heterogeneity among studies. The certainty of evidence was low to very low.

Conclusions

FAST score can be used as a triage test for ruling out fibrotic MASH. Nevertheless, its low positive predictive value necessitates sequential testing for ruling‐in fibrotic MASH.
Feline blood donation: Description and adverse reactions from 29 201 donation events between 2019 and 2023
Authors: Taylor Samantha S. , Ferreira Helena C.M. , Cambra André F.P. , Lo Iacono Giovanni , Jeevaratnam Kamalan , Mesa‐Sanchez Ignacio , Ferreira Rui R.F.
Published: October 2024

Background

Feline blood transfusion is required for the treatment of various illnesses in cats, and the safety of donor cats is vital. Donor adverse reactions can include cardiorespiratory, venepuncture‐related, and behavioral abnormalities.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To describe a large number of feline blood donation events and document use of sedation and anxiolysis, record volume of blood collected and describe the frequency, type, and risk factors for, adverse reactions.

Animals

The study included 7812 individual cats and 29 201 donation events at a blood banking center over 5 years.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of donation event records with signalment, donation volume, sedation status, donation number, and adverse reactions (acute and caregiver reported) recorded. Risk factors for adverse reactions were examined by stratifying data according to groups exposed to relevant predictors and calculating odds ratios with 95% and 99% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Adverse reactions were uncommon (0.29%, 2.88/1000 donor events) and most commonly were cardiorespiratory (0.08%, 0.75/1000 donor events) or behavioral (0.06%, 0.62/1000 donor events). The only risk factor significantly associated with adverse reactions was conscious donation, with conscious donors 4.4 times more likely to have an adverse reaction (95% CI, 2.5‐7.9, P ≤ .0001).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Feline blood donation is associated with a low rate of adverse reactions. Sedation should be considered to reduce adverse reactions, and the environment and interactions optimized to reduce donor stress. Caregiver education on care postdonation could reduce behavioral adverse reactions.
Rivers and spatial distance are drivers of genetic diversity in the south American dwarf caiman (Paleosuchus palpebrosus)
Authors: Vasconcelos B. D. , Camurugi F. , Mudrek J. R. , Brandão R. A. , Santana D. J.
Published: October 2024

The distribution of species and the way that lineages are structured are the result of intrinsic historical processes of the species and their relationships with landscape features. Paleosuchus palpebrosus is one of the smallest crocodilians in the world and has a wide geographic distribution in South America, occurring in different habitats. Here, we analyzed mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences of 227 individuals, investigated how elements of landscape heterogeneity impact genetic differentiation, and evaluated the evolutionary and phylogeographic history of the species. Thus, we hypothesized that landscape structures, such as aridity and slope, should act as resistance surfaces to population connectivity, while rivers could mediate the dispersion of the species as a conductor of the gene flow. The analyses recovered three main lineages of P. palpebrosus. While most of the observed genetic variation was explained by geographic resistance distance, river connectivity had a smaller contribution for the observed variation. We also found a recent history with limited genetic divergence throughout the wide distribution of the species. Our findings highlight the main drivers for the evolutionary history of the species and how landscape features can shape the diversification, especially if we consider rivers as a facilitator of gene flow.
Using ELISA to detect pathogen antibodies in wild mammal carcasses: a systematic literature review
Authors: Ruy P.‐É. , McDevitt A. , O'Connor I. , O'Dwyer K.
Published: October 2024

Carcasses of wild mammals provide convenient samples for wildlife disease investigators. Specifically, antibodies can persist in the blood and tissues of animals up to a few days after death and can provide information on exposure to specific pathogens, including microorganisms with zoonotic implications, such as Toxoplasma gondii, Trichinella spp., Brucella spp., and Mycobacterium spp.

Although screening samples from decaying wildlife for antibodies is not a new method, an overview of the literature with clear recommendations on best practices is lacking.

Here, we present results from a systematic review of 115 studies using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect pathogen antibodies in wild mammals across 298 individual research projects. We discuss the range of mammalian hosts and the pathogens most represented in the literature and suggest improvements to consider when using samples from decaying animals for seroinvestigation.

Our results indicate that the most examined mammals were artiodactyl ungulates and that antibodies against the bacteria Brucella spp. are those most examined to date, followed by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, malignant catarrhal fever virus, Schmallenberg orthobunyavirus, and the coccidian Neospora caninum.

The effect of haemolysis in serum samples on ELISA results was considered in only 3.7% of the research projects we reviewed, sample size decisions were not outlined in 83% of research projects, and half of the projects did not examine seroprevalence in different age classes. Nevertheless, these details are important for replicability and accurate interpretation of results.

We highlight the benefits and limitations of detecting antibodies against pathogens in carcasses from wild mammalian groups. Wild mammals are reservoirs for a wide range of pathogens including those with zoonotic potential and investigating their carcasses can help wildlife investigators to better understand the epidemiology of many diseases with implications for wildlife, livestock, and human health.
‘Dancing with emotions’: An Interpretive Descriptive study of facilitators recognition and response to students' emotions during simulation
Authors: Behrens Claudia C. , Dolmans Diana H. , Driessen Erik W. , Gormley Gerard J.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Immersive simulations can evoke a range of emotions in students. However, little is known about how facilitators recognise and respond to students' emotions during simulations. This study aims to understand how simulation facilitators perceive and respond to students' emotions during simulation—in order to optimise learning.

Methods

We conducted semi‐structured interviews with 10 simulation facilitators who had varying experiences in simulation‐based practice. We explored their experiences of students' emotions in simulations and reactions to these perceived emotional states. Applying an Interpretive Descriptive methodology, drawing upon control‐value theory, we iteratively and reflexively developed themes to address our research question. Based on a contrasting analysis, we used the concept of ‘crafted stories’ to represent our findings.

Results

We identified three recurring issues and crafted these into stories: (1) facilitators that recognise emotions and adjust the complexity of the simulation in order to dampen intense negative emotions and ‘preserve learning’; (2) those that recognise mainly negative emotions and argue that it is better to let them feel the ‘heat’ in order to prepare them for the realities of clinical practice; (3) those that recognise both negative and positive emotions but let the simulation run as planned for all learners and attend to emotional responses during debriefing.

Conclusion

Simulation facilitators become aware of students' emotional responses through a range of cues. While some facilitators continually move and react to students' emotions, others intentionally hold back from attempting to alter students' emotional responses. Facilitators' beliefs about how to optimise learning mediate how they react to students' emotional states. Beliefs about learning are predominantly shaped by their experiences in both teaching and real‐world clinical practice. By understanding the delicate balancing act of students' emotional states and altering the complexity of a simulation, we have the opportunity to inform facilitator training in order to enhance learning.
Cover Image
Authors: Jamal Sara Z. , Dieckmann Blake W. , McCollum Gary W. , Penn John S. , Jayagopal Ashwath , Imam Uddin MD
Published: October 2024

The cover image is based on the Article Imaging Hypoxia to Predict Primary Neuronal Cell Damage in Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion by Sara Z. Jamal et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/micc.12883. Created with BioRender.com.

image
What influences interruption of continuous renal replacement therapy in intensive care unit patients: A review with meta‐analysis on outcome variables
Authors: Xiaomei Xia , Yuliang Chong , Jianhong Qiao , Moreira Paulo , Xiujuan Xue
Published: October 2024

Background

Evidence suggests that 8%–10% of ICU patients receive renal replacement therapy. However, there is a high rate of unplanned CRRT interruption, ranging between 17% and 74%. Studies on unplanned interruption of CRRT mainly focused on the retrospective investigation of related risk factors and conclusions have been diverse.

Aims

This article aims to clarify the main influencing factors related to unplanned interruption of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in adult patients in intensive care units (ICUs).

Study Design

A literature review and meta‐analysis were undertaken. Following the application of the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS), a total of 15 articles were included in a total of 2132 patients who underwent 3690 CRRT procedures and 2181 unplanned interruption times. The methodological guideline of a scoping review was applied for the evidence synthesis while applying the meta‐analysis quantitative methodological guideline to identify and clarify main influencing factors related to unplanned interruption of CRRT. The reporting Prisma Protocol was followed.

Results

Longer filter life and prothrombin activation time, higher red blood cell count, greater transmembrane pressure, faster blood flow rate, intermittent saline irrigation, lower creatinine level, low prothrombin activity and pre‐dilution are factors identified to potentially affect unplanned CRRT in ICU patients.

Conclusions

Available evidence suggests four clinical challenges associated with unplanned CRRT interruption, namely: (a) effects of red blood cell count, filter life, cross‐mode pressure, blood flow velocity, prothrombin activity and activated partial thrombin time on unplanned interruption; (b) influence of dilution mode on unplanned interruption; (c) influence of intermittent saline irrigation on unplanned interruption; (d) influence of Scr level on unplanned interruption.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The potential to increase the ability to better manage unplanned CRRT in ICUs has been identified in this article and constitutes a relevant potential health care management contribution that can be implemented by nurses.
Dysregulation of T cell response in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Chandwaskar Rucha , Dalal Rajdeep , Gupta Saurabh , Sharma Aishwarya , Parashar Deepak , Kashyap Vivek K. , Sohal Jagdip Singh , Tripathi Subhash K.
Published: October 2024

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), comprised of Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are gut inflammatory diseases that were earlier prevalent in the Western Hemisphere but now are on the rise in the East, with India standing second highest in the incidence rate in the world. Inflammation in IBD is a cause of dysregulated immune response, wherein helper T (Th) cell subsets and their cytokines play a major role in the pathogenesis of IBD. In addition, gut microbiota, environmental factors such as dietary factors and host genetics influence the outcome and severity of IBD. Dysregulation between effector and regulatory T cells drives gut inflammation, as effector T cells like Th1, Th17 and Th9 subsets Th cell lineages were found to be increased in IBD patients. In this review, we attempted to discuss the role of different Th cell subsets together with other T cells like CD8+ T cells, NKT and γδT cells in the outcome of gut inflammation in IBD. We also highlighted the potential therapeutic candidates for IBD.
Cosmopolitan gastro‐aesthetics and the new tastes of Timor
Authors: Tusinski Gabriel
Published: October 2024

In Dili, a new generation of Timorese “foodies” are reshaping the culinary landscape by formulating “Timorese Cuisine.” Armed with mobile devices and active on social media, they seek to build Timor's reputation as a tourist destination by managing consumers' appreciation for “local foods” through a novel “gastro‐aesthetics” a culturally inflected field of qualities which contribute to judgements of the “pleasantness,” “beauty,” or “goodness” of food. But bringing Timorese foodways into correspondence with global consumer tastes unsettles their qualitative characteristics and their medical, moral, and cosmological meanings. With cultural politics dominated by resistance heroes and the Indonesian‐educated “new generation,” this movement marks a youthful contribution to Timor‐Leste's viability through entrepreneurialism. As the country's fossil fuel economy is challenged by climate change, and tourism promoted as a sustainable alternative, configuring “Timorese Cuisine” is an element of nation‐branding at once elevates and diminishes the efficacies of “local foods” as social substances.
Radiation therapy communication: Retreatment of multiple histologically confirmed oligodendroglioma drop metastasis with stereotactic radiotherapy in a dog
Authors: Rancilio Nicholas J , Murakami Keiko , Harm Tyler , Christensen Neil
Published: October 2024

A 10‐year‐old female spayed boxer was treated with stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) for a suspected glioma in the left piriform lobe. The intra‐axial lesion was T2 hyperintense, T2 FLAIR hyperintense, T1 hypointense, and did not uptake contrast. Imaging was performed with an MRI every 3 months, and at the 6‐month recheck, new lesions in the left hippocampus and right piriform lobe were evident without clinically apparent neurological progression. A second course of SRT was prescribed for the new lesions. Euthanasia was elected 14 months after the first course of SRT, and necropsy confirmed oligodendroglioma with drop metastasis.
The Role of Social Media in Spreading the Culture of Volunteer Work Among University Students
Authors: Khasawneh Yusra Jadallah Abed , Khasawneh M.A.S.
Published: October 2024

This study explores the role of social media - especially social networking sites - Facebook, in spreading the culture of volunteer work among young people, especially university youth in Saudi Arabia. The study used the descriptive method and developed a questionnaire to collect data from 414 students from different universities in Saudi Arabia, who were chosen by the random sampling method. The results indicated that Facebook effectively promotes volunteer work campaigns and contributes effectively to introducing students to more aspects of volunteer work. The results indicated that there were statistically significant differences in the responses of the respondents about the role of Facebook in promoting the culture of volunteer work due to gender. The findings also revealed that the statistical differences between the responses of the participants were not statistically significant because of the difference in the student's faculty.
Epidemiology, tumour characteristics, treatment and outcomes associated with spinal nerve sheath tumours: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Mahdi Omar Ali , Gharios Maria , Fatfat Adnan , El-Hajj Victor Gabriel , Singh Aman , Edström Erik , Elmi-Terander Adrian
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Nerve sheath tumours arise from both the central and peripheral nervous systems. In particular, cases of spinal or paraspinal origins are scarce and poorly covered in the literature. This systematic review aims to summarise the body of evidence regarding spinal nerve sheath tumours and assess its quality, to provide the current knowledge on epidemiology, tumour characteristics, diagnostics, treatment strategies and outcomes.

Methods and analysis

Databases including PubMed, Web of Science and Embase will be searched using keywords such as “spinal”, “nerve sheath”, “neurofibroma”, “schwannoma”, “neurinoma” and “neurilemoma”. The search will be limited to studies published no earlier than 2000 without language restrictions. Case reports, editorials, letters and reviews will be excluded. Reference lists of identified studies will be searched to find possible additional relevant records. Identified studies will be screened for inclusion, by one reviewer at first and then two independent ones in the next step to increase the external validity. The Rayyan platform will be used for the screening and inclusion process. Data extraction within several predetermined areas of interest will proceed. Subjects of interest include epidemiology, histopathology, radiological diagnostics, surgery, complications, non-surgical treatment alternatives, disease outcomes and predictors of outcome, and recurrence rates. On satisfactory amount of homogenous data, a meta-analysis of key outcomes such as recurrence risk or postoperative neurological improvement will be performed. This systematic review will primarily serve as a reference guide to aid in diagnosis and treatment of patients with spinal schwannomas, while also spotlighting the knowledge gaps in the literature to help guide future research initiatives.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required for the protocol or review as both are based on existing publications. For dissemination, the final manuscript will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal.
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS): A Proactive Mitigation Strategy Focused on University Office Buildings in the United Kingdom
Authors: Francis Sneha , Adewumi Ayomikun Solomon
Published: October 2024

Since most people spend more time at work in recent times, this has led to more workplace issues and health problems. The well‐being of occupants and their overall health are strongly impacted by factors that determine the standard of indoor environments. These factors include the air quality, the level of thermal comfort, the inclusion of indoor plants, the admission of daylighting, and a variety of other factors. The absence of any of these may result in sick building syndrome (SBS). Therefore, well‐planned indoor workspaces are vital for occupants’ health and productivity at work. The aim of this article is to investigate proactive measures for mitigating SBS in office buildings located within universities in the United Kingdom. The study administered a questionnaire to gather perceptions of office occupants, followed by a comparative case study analysis of two office buildings at the University of Greenwich located on different campuses to highlight the correlation among the physical parameters of indoor office spaces and the occurrence of SBS. The results showed that a notable percentage of participants reported experiencing at least two symptoms of SBS. This study provided clear evidence that symptoms of SBS are primarily associated with the physical characteristics of the building, and these elements significantly influence the occupants’ experiences. The mitigation of potential adverse effects on the well‐being of inhabitants during the operating phase of a building resulting from physical variables can be achieved by the implementation of conscious design considerations during the initial planning stages of future buildings. One of the practical implications of this study is that it raises the urgency for built environment professionals to be fully aware of how their design decisions could either contribute to or prevent SBS symptoms.
The Effect of Ethical Leadership on Nurse Bullying, Burnout, and Turnover Intentions
Authors: Lambert Jason R. , Brown Lee W. , Lambert Thanayi A. , Torres Nava Caleigh
Published: October 2024

The bullying of nurses by patients, doctors, and employees is common in the healthcare industry. Nurses who are bullied are more likely to experience burnout, and nurses who experience burnout are more likely to intend to quit. However, few studies investigate how leadership can mitigate workplace incivility and nurse bullying as a way to improve nurse retention. A cross‐sectional study was conducted using a sample of 216 nurses recruited from various regions across the United States from different specialties. A moderated mediation model using path analysis was used to examine the relationships between bullying, burnout, and ethical leadership in predicting intentions to stay. Bullying significantly and positively related to burnout (β = 0.22, p = 0.02), and burnout significantly and negatively related to intent to stay (β = −0.18,p = 0.01). Perceived ethical leadership predicted intentions to stay (β = 0.62, p = 0.00), and ethical leadership moderated the effect of bullying on burnout (β = 0.20, p = 0.03). The results of our study also suggest that nurses are less likely to quit when ethical leadership is present, and ethical leadership weakens the effect of bullying on burnout.
Study on Resistance Loss of Fly Ash Slurry Multistage High‐Pressure Grouting Pipeline Based on Fluent
Authors: Wang Qiqing , Li Linzhe , Wu Huijie , Wang Kun , Wang Sixiang
Published: October 2024

In order to understand the resistance loss along the way during multistage high‐pressure slurry transportation, the flow state of fly ash slurry in the pipeline was simulated by Fluent software in this paper, and the effects of pipe diameter D, pipe transportation flow rate Q, and fly ash mass concentration Cw on the resistance loss along the pipeline were studied. The fly ash slurry is a non‐Newtonian Bingham fluid that moves in a turbulent state in a pipeline. When simulating the flow of fly ash slurry using Fluent software, the mesh type is a mixed mesh of hexahedron and wedge shapes, and the viscous model is selected as realizable k‐ε Turbulence Model, with Enhanced‐Wall Function (EWF) selected as the wall function, combined with a four‐layer boundary layer mesh, which can more accurately capture the details of velocity changes at the wall, thereby improving the accuracy of the model. The inlet of the model is the velocity inlet, and the outlet is the pressure outlet. The coupled algorithm is chosen as the solution method. Under these conditions, the model converges quickly and the calculation accuracy is high. The results show that the resistance loss along the pipeline decreases as a power function with the increase of pipeline diameter, and there is a polynomial relationship between the pipeline flow and the resistance loss along the pipeline, while the mass concentration of fly ash slurry changes linearly with the resistance loss along the pipeline. In addition, three friction coefficient models, namely Blasius formula, Colebrook–White equation, and Wilson–Thomas model, were selected according to the flow characteristics of fly ash slurry. Based on the Blasius formula with the smallest relative calculation error, the Blasius formula was modified by multiple linear regression analysis to improve the accuracy of the frictional resistance coefficient model and to provide help for the design and use of separate layer grouting conveying system.
Charging Between PADs: Periodic Charging Scheduling in the UAV‐Based WRSN With PADs
Authors: Zhao Zirui , Deng Tingdan , Liu Yixuan , Lin Feng
Published: October 2024

Wireless rechargeable sensor network (WRSN) has become the most effective solution to the energy problem in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) by introducing mobile chargers (MCs) to replenish energy for energy‐starved sensor nodes. In the studies of WRSN, there has been growing interest in using lightweight unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as MCs to overcome geographical constraints. Recently, automatic landing pads (PADs) have been introduced in the UAV‐based WRSN, enabling the UAV to automatically replenish energy during the charging flight. Consequently, the UAV’s service range is enlarged, and the UAV can now perform large‐scale charging services. In this paper, we investigate the periodic charging scheduling problem in this novel form of WRSN with the goal of minimizing the charging delay. We present the problem’s definition and model and prove it is NP‐hard. To address this problem, we propose two periodic charging schemes: SNBC (sensor‐node‐based charging scheme) and PBC (PAD‐based charging scheme). We extensively simulated our proposed schemes in a UAV‐based WRSN with PADs, evaluating them based on two key metrics: charging delay and UAV replenishment frequency. The results indicate the efficiency of our approaches. SNBC averaged a 7.2 × 104 s charging delay, while PBC outperformed it with a 14.01% reduction in charging delay and a 13.66% decrease in replenishment frequency.
Revolutionizing Spray Drying: An In‐Depth Analysis of Surface Stickiness Trends and the Role of Physicochemical Innovations in Boosting Productivity
Authors: Nik Abd Rahman Nik Farhan Nazmi , Zubairi Saiful Irwan , Hashim Haslaniza , Yaakob Harisun
Published: October 2024

Spray drying is a widely utilized method in the pharmaceutical, food, and chemical industries for producing powdered products. However, a recurring challenge in this process is the persistent issue of surface stickiness, which diminishes product quality and operational efficiency. This paper examines the current trend of surface stickiness in spray drying and explores physicochemical approaches to mitigate fouling and enhance overall productivity. The stickiness is often attributed to the formation of lumps on drying chamber surfaces, adversely affecting the final product’s characteristics. The paper reviews existing literature on the causes and consequences of surface stickiness, emphasizing the need for innovative strategies to address this challenge. Promising solutions are emerging in the form of physicochemical approaches, involving the modification of drying chamber materials, applying different operational approaches, optimization of process parameters, and the introduction of drying aids. Researchers aim to alter the surface properties of drying chamber components, minimizing particle and wall deposition to prevent surface stickiness. The present review also delves into the impact of various physicochemical factors on spray drying performance, including temperature, airflow dynamics, and formulation composition. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing effective strategies to reduce fouling and enhance overall productivity in spray drying processes. This review sheds light on the prevalent issue of spray drying surface stickiness and underscores the significance of physicochemical approaches in overcoming this challenge. By addressing stickiness issues through innovative strategies, researchers and industry professionals can improve the efficiency and reliability of spray drying processes, ultimately elevating the quality of powdered products in pharmaceutical, food, and chemical manufacturing.
Autophagy: A New Avenue and Biochemical Mechanisms to Mitigate the Climate Change
Authors: Azmat Muhammad Abubakkar , Zaheer Malaika , Shaban Muhammad , Arshad Saman , Hasan Muhammad , Ashraf Alyan , Naeem Muhammad , Ahmad Aftab , Munawar Nayla
Published: October 2024

Autophagy is a preserved process in eukaryotes that allows large material degeneration and nutrient recovery via vacuoles or lysosomes in cytoplasm. Autophagy starts from the moment of induction during the formation of a phagophore. Degradation may occur in the autophagosomes even without fusion with lysosome or vacuole, particularly in microautophagosomes. This process is arbitrated by the conserved machinery of basic autophagy‐related genes (ATGs). In selective autophagy, specific materials are recruited by autophagosomes via receptors. Selective autophagy targets a vast variety of cellular components for degradation, i.e., old or damaged organelles, aggregates, and inactive or misfolded proteins. In optimal conditions, autophagy in plants ensures cellular homeostasis, proper plant growth, and fitness. Moreover, autophagy is essential during stress responses in plants and aids in survival of plants. Several biotic and abiotic stresses, i.e., pathogen infection, nutrient deficiency, plant senescence, heat stress, drought, osmotic stress, and hypoxia induce autophagy in plants. Cell death is not a stress, which induces autophagy but in contrast, sometimes it is a consequence of autophagy. In this way, autophagy plays a vital role in plant survival during harsh environmental conditions by maintaining nutrient concentration through elimination of useless cellular components. This review discussed the recent advances regarding regulatory functions of autophagy under normal and stressful conditions in plants and suggests future prospects in mitigating climate change. Autophagy in plants offers a viable way to increase plant resilience to climate change by increasing stress tolerance and nutrient usage efficiency.
“Dignifying the Ordinary”: Why, What, and How of Social Practice Theory in Christian Philosophy
Authors: van Putten Robert , Cusveller Bart
Published: October 2024

It seems remarkable that several philosophers in the Reformed tradition have recently interacted with social practice theory without interacting with each other. This gave rise to the question as to whether they interact differently or similarly with social practice theory and to what extent Reformed philosophy might benefit from such an interaction. In this article, therefore, we aim to clear the way by addressing three strands in Reformed philosophy, namely, Nicholas Wolterstorff, the normative practice approach, and James K. A. Smith. We explore why they use social practice theory, what they do with it, and how they make it their own. Finally, we highlight what unites them and what divides them, and conclude with suggestions as to how they might benefit from each other’s work in social practice theory.
The Mediation Role of Coping With Stress in the Relationship Between Psychological Flexibility and Posttraumatic Growth in Cancer Patients
Authors: Akcan Gizem , Bakkal Bekir Hakan , Elmas Özlem
Published: October 2024

Objectives: Active and adaptive coping strategies have been identified as factors that can assist cancer patients in effectively managing and overcoming the crisis, leading to the potential for post-traumatic growth during the diagnosis and treatment stages. Psychological flexibility is another factor that can protect individuals and promote more adaptive reactions to traumatic situations. The study aims to examine the investigation of the mediation role of coping with stress in the relationship between psychological flexibility and posttraumatic growth in cancer patients. Methods: This study was conducted with 97 (63 women, 34 male) participants aged between 38 and 82 who are literate and diagnosed with breast cancer or gynecological cancers (endometrial, cervical, vulvar) undergoing radiotherapy planning at the Radiation Oncology Clinic of Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University Hospital. Demographic Information Form, Psychological Flexibility Scale, Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory, and Coping Styles Scale were applied to the participants. The mediation effects were interpreted using bootstrap confidence intervals and VAF values. Results: This study showed that the active coping styles partially mediated the relationship between psychological flexibility and posttraumatic growth. Conclusion: In this regard, by organizing psychoeducational programs and interventions aimed at increasing psychological flexibility for individuals diagnosed with cancer or undergoing treatment, individuals can be enabled to cope with stress more actively, and thus post-traumatic growth can be achieved.
Comparison of formulas derived from Fourier series solution of diffusion equation
Authors: Park Geon Yong
Published: October 2024

The first Fourier series solution satisfying the boundary condition of zero concentration at the diffusion distance was derived by assuming that the solution consists of a steady-state solution and a transient solution. The first total amount which has passed through the first layer surface was derived from the first Fourier series solution. When the diffusion distance is large, the exponential term in the first total amount cannot be zero. For the sublimation diffusion of disperse dye in paste into polyethylene terephthalate film using the film-roll method, the plot of the first total amount against time was in good agreement with the quadratic regression curve. The second Fourier series solution satisfying the boundary condition of constant concentration at the diffusion distance was derived by assuming that the diffusion distance is the thickness of the first layer. The second total amount which has passed through the second layer surface was derived from the second Fourier series solution and is a linear function of time because the exponential term is zero due to the very small diffusion distance, the thickness of the first layer. The plot of the second total amount against time was in good agreement with the linear regression line. The time-lag formula was derived from the second total amount. The diffusion coefficients determined from the second total amount are much larger than those of the other three types. All four types showed excellent linearity in Arrhenius plot, but the activation energy for the time-lag formula is somewhat greater than the rest.
Freezing and bioreactor in the low-concentration detergents: A novel approach in the decellularization of small-diameter arteries
Authors: Nguyen Nho Thuan , Lam Hoang Minh , Bui Thang Quoc , Tran Ha Le Bao
Published: October 2024

Using decellularized small-diameter vascular bypass substitutes (<6 mm) is an efficient method for bypass grafting. A solution containing 0.5% SDS (weight/volume) is commonly used for extended periods to generate acellular tissues. However, this solution causes damage to the microfibril structure and alters the mechanical forces. Hence, the objective of this study is to reduce the concentration of SDS to preserve the structure and achieve efficient decellularization. The study employs a diluted solution of 0.3% SDS (weight/volume) to treat fresh and frozen swine small-diameter arteries, utilizing physical methods such as freezing and thawing. The effectiveness of cell removal was evaluated using histological analysis and the remaining DNA content of the sample. Furthermore, the acellular circuit also assesses the cytotoxicity and proliferation of HUVECs to gauge their safety. Through the use of 0.3% SDS, a bioreactor system, and freezing-thawing, the pig arteries are successfully decellularized, resulting in residual DNA levels of less than 50 ng/mg dry weight. This process does not cause any major changes to the biomechanical or structural properties of the arteries. The acellular samples exhibit no toxicity on the L929 cell line and promote the growth of HUVECs at their highest rate on the fourth day. This allows for the placement of acellular vascular grafts to evaluate physiological processes within the animal body. This is an important requirement in clinical blood vessel transplantation.
Liquidity Preference, Interest Rate Spread, and the Transformation of the US Financial System
Authors: Yoon Yeo Hyub , Neupane Grishma
Published: October 2024

This article examines empirical patterns of interest rate spreads between yields on long-term corporate bonds and the Federal Funds Rate (FFR) in the United States over the period from 1960 through 2023. Since the early 1980s, discernible patterns of interest spreads have emerged, revealing marked deviations in corporate bond yields from the FFR. We focus on financial market forces particularly arising from financial intermediaries in analyzing these patterns. To this end, the article develops a theoretical framework based on the concept of liquidity preference in Keynes’s 1937 papers and the works of Hyman Minsky and Victoria Chick. We also conduct cointegration analyses for corporate bond yields, the FFR, and financial intermediaries’ leverage ratios. Overall, our empirical results indicate that the relationship between the FFR and corporate bond yields—particularly with respect to their long-run relationship and interest rate markups—has markedly changed since the 1980s and is significantly affected by financial intermediaries’ asset/capital leverage ratios. As a policy implication, regulatory reforms aimed at enhancing the Federal Reserve Bank’s capacity to steer long-term rates and contain intermediaries’ balance sheet leverage, particularly those centered on risky asset trading to increase gains from price differentials, are required

JEL Classification: B26, E11, E43, E52
Patterns of Intimate Partner Violence Among Veterans: A Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Portnoy Galina A. , Relyea Mark R. , Webermann Aliya R. , Presseau Candice , Iverson Katherine M. , Brandt Cynthia A. , Haskell Sally G.
Published: October 2024

The majority of intimate partner violence (IPV) research is unidirectional, focusing on IPV use (i.e., perpetration) or experience (i.e., victimization). However, when IPV use and experience data are simultaneously included in analyses, bidirectional IPV often emerges as a common IPV pattern. The objective of this study was to examine patterns of IPV use and experience, risk factors that may be associated with these patterns, and potential gender differences within a sample of post-9/11 Veterans. This study included a national sample of post-9/11 Veterans ( N = 1,150; 50.3% women) who completed self-report measures at two timepoints. We performed a latent class analysis (LCA) to determine the appropriate number of IPV classes, conducted sensitivity analyses, and examined factors potentially associated with IPV class membership. We identified three distinct classes of IPV: Low to no IPV, Bidirectional Psychological IPV, and Bidirectional Multiform IPV. Men and women reported similar rates of IPV use and experience, and there were no gender differences in the LCA model. However, race and ethnicity, employment status, children in the household, marital status, child abuse or witnessing family violence, lifetime physical assault, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and binge drinking were differentially associated with class membership. This study extends existing knowledge on patterns of IPV among Veterans and factors associated with these patterns. Bidirectional IPV was the most common IPV pattern, underscoring the importance of examining IPV use and experience concurrently within research and clinical samples, and developing comprehensive IPV screening and treatment strategies that incorporate bidirectional IPV in work to advance relationship health and safety among Veterans.
Adverse Childhood Experiences and Intimate Partner Violence: Exploring Implications for Young Adults’ Romantic Outlook
Authors: Jamison Tyler B. , Saint-Eloi Cadely Hans
Published: October 2024

In the present study, we used data from a community sample of 442 American young adults ages 18 to 35 to explore the associations between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), intimate partner violence (IPV), and young adults’ romantic outlook (i.e., general attitude toward romantic involvement), which includes perceived average relationship quality, desire for relationships, and dismissal of relationships. Guided by a life course perspective, we examined whether ACEs and IPV work together to predict romantic outlook among young adults. We also explored whether education level moderated the effects of ACEs and IPV on romantic outlook during young adulthood. Our findings suggest that different types of IPV (physical, sexual, and psychological) are associated with different outcomes in terms of perceived relationship quality, desire, and dismissal. We also identified several significant findings related to educational attainment. Specifically, in the higher educational attainment group, participants with high ACE scores combined with high rates of IPV reported lower relationship desire and lower perceived relationship quality. These findings suggest a nuanced view of how both childhood experiences and different types of IPV are related to romantic outlook for young adults. Additionally, these findings suggest that higher education levels can strengthen the influence of adverse experiences during one’s lifetime (ACEs and/or IPV) on young adults’ romantic outlook.