bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tribotechnical Characteristics of Nickel-Based Composite Coatings Obtained by Hybrid Technologies
Authors: Devoino O. G. , Turichin G. A. , Kardapolava M. A. , Kаsach Y. I. , Pogudo E. V. , Kasyakova I. M.
Published: December 2023

As an object of this study, the coatings were used, which are composed of self-fluxing nickel-based alloys or compositions containing them, formed in a hybrid technological process with two main stages: spraying by the plasma method and subsequent remelting – by the gas-flame method or laser heating. An experimental measurement of their resistance to abrasive wear under conditions of boundary friction with the introduction of lubricants has been carried out for the coatings obtained in this process. At the same time, the influence of the coating composition and the remelting method on the wear value measured by the artificial base method has been investigated. To evaluate the dynamics of structure formation in the surface layer subjected to mechanical loads during the friction, X-ray diffraction analysis, metallographic method, and scanning electron microscopy in the electron diffraction mode have been used. After the laser remelting stage, it is possible to obtain coatings with wear resistance that is twice or more superior to the level for sprayed coatings of the same composition processed by the gas flame method. Wear of the coating surface has been found to occur through the mechanism of fatigue failure of the least hard component of the coating, i. e., the nickel-containing intermetallic phase, with the formation of an island-type film of hard crystallites of the carbide-boron phase weakly bound to the coating base, which ultimately leads to cracking of particles of this phase and their crumbling from the surface. The durability of layers obtained after the laser remelting stage can be increased, according to experimental data, by reducing the grain size of the phases in the coating and its texturing, as well as increasing the concentration of alloying elements in the composition of the metal-containing binder phase of the coating. The use of alloying additives leads to an additional increase in wear resistance by 2–4 times. This is due, depending on the type of additives, with an increase in the amount of the hardening phase while maintaining the plasticity of the matrix (coatings with chromium carbide additives), the degree of alloying of the nickel matrix (by the tungsten carbide and boron carbide additives), as well as the presence of a finely dispersed carbide-boride component, which reduces the processes of deformation and scratching.
Calculation of Ring Pile-Slab Foundation Under Condition of Part of the Slab in the Same Plane
Authors: Bosakov S. V.
Published: December 2023

The problem of calculating a ring slab on piles on an elastic foundation is considered, provided that a part of the slab is in the same plane. A similar problem arises in practice when calculating the pile-slab foundation of chimneys of a thermal power plant. The calculation is performed using the method of B. N. Zhemochkin – a mixed method of structural mechanics, where the unknown forces in the cut connections of B. N. Zhemochkin at the contact of the slab and the elastic base, the linear and angular displacements of the introduced pinching on the slab, the springs that simulate the piles and the unknown forces that cause movement of part of the annular slab in one plane. The external vertical force and moment are considered as known. A system of linear algebraic equations has been formed in a general form to solve the problem. The results are obtained for a circular pile-slab foundation of a chimney. Graphs are presented of the distribution of contact stresses, displacements for several sections of the foundation slab, forces in piles and external loads that cause movement of a part of the slab in one plane. The results obtained can be included in the regulatory documents of the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation.
Influence of Advertising Banners and Team Logos on the Temperature Regime of Ice of Indoor Ice Skating Rinks, Built Into the Ice Plate
Authors: Livanskiy D. G.
Published: December 2023

Artificial indoor ice rinks are complex and expensive engineering structures that are widely used for hosting various public and sports events, such as ice shows, hockey, figure skating, speed skating, etc. The presence of large audiences at all these events contributes to the widespread dissemination of information through various forms of advertising. As experience has shown, this primarily involves various banners and team logos placed within the ice surface. The latter obviously affects 

the temperature regime of the ice covering, as banners alter the heat transfer resistance of the ice layer. Furthermore, strict requirements for temperature field parameters on the ice surface are established for each type of event (by international federations of ice hockey, figure skating, speed skating, including international rules). To study the impact of advertising banners on the temperature regime of the ice surface, both natural experiments on a standard-size ice rink in a multifunctional sports arena for 15,000 spectators and numerical solutions of the heat conduction differential equation for ice with advertising banners were conducted. The research confirms that advertising banners on ice rinks have a significant impact on the temperature regime of the ice, which in turn affects the quality of the ice and the conditions for holding sports competitions. Adhering to recommendations regarding the choice of banner materials and colors, as well as effective management of the cooling system, can help minimize the negative consequences of banners on ice quality.
Green energy imports, FDI, Stock market capitalization, globalization and environmental degradation in China: Paving the Path to Sustainability in COP26 Agenda
Authors: Su Nan
Published: December 2023

This paper explores the complex dynamics of green energy imports, foreign direct investment (FDI), stock market capitalization, globalization, and CO2 emissions in the context of environmental deterioration. We examine the short- and long-run effects of these factors on CO2 emissions using a Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) model. The findings show that positive and negative shocks have different impacts on CO2 emissions. Green energy imports and some features of globalization have the potential to significantly cut CO2 emissions in the short and long run. In addition, FDI and stock market capitalization show short-term increases in CO2 emissions. To improve environmental degradation under COP26, we suggest focused policy solutions such as supporting green investments, improving environmental legislation, encouraging sustainable financing, creating green trade agreements, and raising public awareness. Implementing these regulations can lead to more ecologically responsible and long-term economic prosperity.
Achievement of therapeutic antibiotic exposures using Bayesian dosing software in critically unwell children and adults with sepsis
Authors: Chai Gene M , Tu Quyen , Cotta Menino O , Bauer Michelle J , Balch Ross , Okafor Charles , Comans Tracy , Kruger Peter , Meyer Jason , Shekar Kiran , Brady Kara , Fourie Cheryl , Sharp Natalie , Vlad Luminita , Whiley David , Ungerer Jacobus PJ , Mcwhinney Brett C , Farkas Andras , Paterson David L , Clark Julia E , Hajkowicz Krispin , Raman Sainath , Bialasiewicz Seweryn , Lipman Jeffrey , Forde Brian M , Harris Patrick NA , Schlapbach Luregn J , Coin Lachlan , Roberts Jason A , Irwin Adam D
Published: December 2023

Purpose
Early recognition and effective treatment of sepsis improves outcomes in critically ill patients. However, antibiotic exposures are frequently suboptimal in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) setting. We describe the feasibility of the Bayesian dosing software ID-ODS™ to reduce time to effective antibiotic exposure in children and adults in ICU with sepsis.
Methods
A multi-centre prospective, non-randomised interventional trial in three adult ICUs and one paediatric ICU. In a pre-intervention Phase 1, we measured the time to target antibiotic exposure in participants. In Phase 2, antibiotic dosing recommendations were made using ID-ODS™, and time to target antibiotic concentrations compared to patients in Phase 1 (a pre-post design).
Results
175 antibiotic courses (Phase 1 = 123, Phase 2 = 52) were analysed from 156 participants. Across all patients, there was no difference in the time to achieve target exposures (8.7 hours vs 14.3 hours in Phase 1 and Phase 2 respectively, p = 0.45). Sixty-one courses in 54 participants failed to achieve target exposures within 24 hours of antibiotic commencement (n = 36 in Phase 1, n = 18 in Phase 2). In these participants, ID-ODS was associated with a reduction in time to target antibiotic exposure (96.0 vs 36.4 hours in Phase 1 and Phase 2 respectively, p < 0.01). These patients were less likely to exhibit subtherapeutic antibiotic exposures at 96 hours (HR 0.02, 95%CI 0.01–0.05, p < 0.01). There was no difference observed in in-hospital mortality.
Conclusions
Dosing software may reduce the time to achieve target antibiotic exposures with the potential to improve clinical outcomes.
RECORD: A high-throughput system for complex naturalistic decision-making in rodents
Authors: Friedman Alexander , Ibanez-Alcala Rodrigo , Beck Dirk , Salcido Alexis , Davila Luis , Giri Atanu , Heaton Cory , Rodriguez Kryssia , Rakocevic Lara , Hossain Safa , Reyes Neftali , Batson Serina , Macias Andrea , Drammis Sabrina , Negishi Kenichiro , Zhang Qingyang , Beck Shreeya Umashankar , Vara Paulina , Joshi Arnav , Franco Austin , Carbajal Bianca Hernandez , Ordonez Miguel , Ramirez Felix , Lopez Johnathan , Lozano Nayeli , Ramirez Abigail , Legaspy Linette , Cruz Paulina , Armenta Abril , Viel Stephanie , Aguirre Jessica , Quintanar Odalys , Medina Fernanda , Ordonez Pablo , Munoz Alfonzo , Gaudier Gustavo Martinez , Naime Gabriela , Powers Rosalie , O'Dell Laura , Moschak Travis , Goosens Ki
Published: December 2023

Translational studies benefit from experimental designs where laboratory organisms use human-relevant behaviors. One such behavior is decision-making, however studying complex decision-making in rodents poses many problems. We overcame these limitations by designing a fully automated, inexpensive, high-throughput framework to study decision-making across multiple levels of rewards and costs in rodents: the REward-COst in Rodent Decision-making (RECORD) system. RECORD integrates three components: 1) 3D-printed configurable arenas, 2) custom electronic hardware, and 3) software for databasing, analysis, and computational modeling. RECORD sequentially offers subjects single cost/reward trade-offs that they can approach or avoid. We validated four different behavioral protocols, highlighting the versatility of our system. RECORD enables the execution of a decision-making task battery without requiring food or water deprivation, thus allowing us to characterize a profound and systematic impact of food deprivation on decision-making. We also demonstrate how RECORD enables analysis of heterogeneity in decision-making both within and across individuals and show, for the first time, that this behavioral variability is quantifiably constrained. Using oxycodone self-administration as a test case, we also reveal how analytic approaches that incorporate behavioral heterogeneity are more sensitive to detecting perturbations in decision-making than conventional approaches that average behavior across all individuals. Overall, RECORD is a more powerful and sensitive approach to studying decision-making in animals, with features that facilitate translational studies of DM in psychiatric disorders.
Effect of Added Potato Peel Ash on Clay Soils
Authors: Chuquija Fidel Huanca , Condori Yerson Olmer Choquechambi , Ticona Rina Luzmeri Yampara
Published: December 2023

Engineers face problems when building roads, runways and airports on soils containing clay, silt and sand, as these are not suitable for pavement design. Soil stabilization is currently carried out with additives and commercial products, being necessary the search for sustainable products such as potato husk ash. The potato is a high production product in Peru, and the potato peel residue is a sustainable option. The samples obtained from a cohesive soil for the research are from the Second Ring Road of the District of Juliaca Province of San Román Department of Puno, for the present research potato peel ash was added in the following percentages: 0%, 10%, 15% and 20%.
The methodology applied is through the tests of: granulometry, consistency limits, modified Proctor, specific gravity and CBR, from these tests positive results were obtained for the addition of potato peel ash. Where you can see graphically the interpretation of the results that adding potato husk ash by 20% improves its CBR with respect to the other additions of 10% and 15% taking as reference the standard of Mexico which shows that it is the only one that meets these parameters where it could be said that adding potato husk ash by 20% is optimal, since with this addition we obtain a CBR greater than 20% in the 6 calicatas and its liquid limits in the 6 calicatas do not exceed the value of 40 as the plasticity index does not exceed the value of 12 that are the parameters of the standard of Mexico, complying at the same time with the Peruvian regulations that indicate that for an optimal subgrade, the CBR must be ≥ 6%, in the Peruvian regulations according to the
Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC), "Manual of Roads: Soils, Geology, Geotechnics and Pavements" (Manual de Carreteras & MTC, 2014, p. 40) recommends stabilizing or changing for another material.
Determination of microbial contamination of urban runoff and reduction of microbial load using new column and biological batch filter design
Authors: Parvinnia Mohammad , Sirouspour Somayeh , Khalili Reza
Published: December 2023

In this study first, amounts of coliform contamination were measured by sampling from urban runoff of Yasouj city, Iran. In order to designing column experiments, zeolite, anthracite, sand, iron filings, sawdust, geotextile and polyester fiber were used. In the next step, batch experiments were designed: PRB materials included 25% anthracite, 20% zeolite, 20% iron filings, 10% sawdust and 25% sand. This experiment was performed in two ways: with and without the availability of nutrients. For all experiments, E. coli used as biological contaminants and bacterial enumerations were done by MPN test. Amounts of coliform contamination in urban runoff were at the 93 to 1200 instance. The results of the column experiments showed that removability of these materials was 90.48 to 96.13% and materials saturated after operated for some time and it shows the phenomena detachment of pollutants. The results of batch experiment showed bacterial elimination 91.55–93.18% and detachment rate with and without nutrients 0.2% and 0.14% rate attachment respectively. Coefficients, growth rates, death rates, rates of attachment and detachment were 0.1396, 0.1633, 0.396 and 0.0555 per unit time, respectively. As a supplementary case, modeling of contaminant transport in the porous medium of a new biological filter was also investigated. Synthetic wastewater with an initial nitrate concentration of 100 mg/l is introduced to the filter over 25 minutes of the filter breakthrough curve (BTC). The BTC from the column test is assumed as a normal curve and the obtained longitudinal dispersion coefficient is equal to 1×10− 7m2/s.
Methane Production and Nutrient Recovery after Applying MW Technology in Sewage Sludge Pretreatment
Authors: ALHRAISHAWI Ali , Aslan Sukru , Ozturk Mustafa
Published: December 2023

This study investigates the effect of microwave (MW) treatment on the disintegration of municipal activated sludge. Sludge samples underwent heating at a targeted temperature of 90°C for 35 minutes, with a 5-minute retention time. Soluble chemical oxygen demand (sCOD), sugars, proteins, nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) exhibited notable increases compared to untreated samples. Results indicate a substantial (42-45%) rise in methane production during the anaerobic digestion process of the disintegrated sludge compared to the untreated counterpart Methane production was estimated using a transference model, which showed the best fit compared to other models. Further experimentation involved testing digested sludge with excess soluble ammonium for the recovery of struvite at a 1.50/1/1 (Mg/N/P) ratio. The findings reveal that up to 90.09% and 90.43% of orthophosphate and ammonium, respectively, can be efficiently removed from the solution. Despite the increased methane output, the energy recovered was insufficient to offset the electrical energy used by the MW. Notably, the sludge filter resistance performance deteriorated significantly, increasing from 1.64×1014 m/kg for the control sludge to 3.76×1014 m/kg for the treated sludge.
A Novel Method for Self-Driving Solar-Powered Drones
Authors: Bagdadee Amam Hossain , Rahman Md. Rashed , Khan Istiak Ali , Hossain Khandakar Khalid
Published: December 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Investigation and Exploring the Microstructural and Thermal Properties of Pseudostem Juice and Cassava Juice as a Quenching Media.
Authors: Gbadeyan Oluwatoyin Joseph
Published: December 2023

The utilization of pseudostem juice and cassava juice as non-Newtonian fluids for quenching applications is examined in this study. These fluids' microstructural and thermal characteristics were investigated and contrasted with those of conventional quenching mediums. The findings demonstrated that these fluids have distinctive qualities that make them attractive substitutes for conventional quenching mediums. The tensile strength of the samples increased when quenched in pseudostem juice of bananas (PJB) at 30 0C and water at 90 0C, exceeding the as-cast value of 435 MPa. Quenching in PJB resulted in a higher tensile strength of at least 442 MPa. Additionally, the hardness value reached its highest point for the sample quenched in banana pseudostem juice at 30 0C and its lowest point for the sample quenched in water at 90 0C, which was 418 BHN. Although lower than its as-cast value, samples of ductile iron that were quenched in water exhibited a slight improvement in impact energy compared to those that were quenched in banana and cassava pseudostem juice. According to the microstructural analysis, the smallest grain sizes for ductile iron samples quenched in pseudostem juice of bananas were 0.18 µm, 0.235 µm, and 0.255 µm, respectively, when quenched at 30 0C. The findings of this study affirm the effectiveness of Pseudostem juice and Cassava juice as quenching media, opening doors to the development of more streamlined and sustainable quenching processes.
Transient Deception: Recent Advances and Trends in Short-Lived Adversarial Examples
Authors: Srivas Devansh
Published: December 2023

The emergence of adversarial attacks has highlighted the vulnerabilities of deep learning models. This led adversaries to develop novel techniques for generating adversarial examples that are short-lived and imperceptible to humans. These short-lived adversarial examples exploit the temporal aspects of the model and constitute a significant challenge to the robustness and reliability of deep learning systems, as they exploit transient vulnerabilities in the models' decision-making processes. This paper examines the recent trends in short-lived adversarial attacks on machine learning systems. By focusing on the categorisation and taxonomy of these attacks, the distinctions between whitebox vs blackbox, targeted vs untargeted, physical vs digital, and persistent vs short-lived attacks are discussed to provide a comprehensive analysis of the approaches used by adversaries. The paper also explores the increasing sophistication and diversity of short-lived adversarial attack techniques using flickering-based, motion-based, sensor-based, projection-based and gradient-based perturbations to deceive machine learning models. Furthermore, various methods of generating short-lived adversarial examples using these techniques are discussed, providing insights into the evolving aspects of short-lived adversarial attacks and highlighting the need for robust defence mechanisms and other challenges associated with short-lived adversarial examples.
Anti-elastase, anti-tyrosinase and anti-inflammatory activities of three compounds isolated from Psorospernum aurantiacum Engl. : in- silico and in- vitro assays
Authors: Njikam Jacqueline Manjia , Njoya Emmanuel M. , Harishchander Anandaram , Munvera Aristide M. , Ogundolie Frank A. , Mkounga Pierre , McGaw Lyndy J. , Njayou Frederic N , Moundipa Paul
Published: December 2023

The hexane fraction of Psorospermum aurantiacum (PA) was found to prevent photoaging in skin cells lines. Therefore, this research aimed to evaluate the anti-skin aging potentials of compounds isolated from this bioactive fraction using in- silico and in- vitro models. Compounds were isolated by column chromatography and their structures were determined using spectroscopic techniques. A molecular docking was conducted to determine the interactions of compounds with selected targets: Elastase, 15-lipoxygenase, activator protein-1, Nuclear Factor Kappa B involved in skin aging processes. Furthermore, the in-vitro anti-elastase and anti-tyrosinase activities of compounds and their anti-inflammatory effect were evaluated on 15-lipoxygenase and nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Chromatographic purification of PA yielded three known compounds namely 3-geranyloxyemodinanthrone (1), 3-geranyloxyemodine (2) and lupeol (3) were identified, and in-slico study showed that (3) (− 12.83 kcal/mol) had high affinity with elastase while (2) (− 8.98 kcal/mol) effectively interacted with lipoxygenase. The in vitro assays revealed that (1) possessed high anti-tyrosinase activity (IC50 = 65.00 µg/mL) and anti-lipoxygenase activity (IC50 = 35.35 µg/mL) as compared with vitamin C (IC50 = 48.85 µg/mL) and quercetin (IC50 = 26.79 µg/mL) respectively. Additionally, (3) showed a high percentage of elastase inhibition (88.09%) at 10 µg/mL and also inhibited NO production with IC50 of 28.74 µg/mL compared to quercetin (IC50 = 15.13 µg/ mL). Compounds 1 and 3 showed anti-elastase, anti-tyrosinase and anti-inflammatory properties through in vitro study. Molecular docking results confirmed the elastase inhibitory activity demonstrated by 3. These compounds could be incorporated skin care products after further studies.
18F-FDG PET/CT metabolism multi-parameter prediction of chemotherapy efficacy in locally progressive gastric cancer
Authors: jin luqiang , zhang linghe , fu liping , song fahuan , Cheng aiping
Published: December 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to use an 18F-FDG PET/CT multiparametric quantitative analysis to determine the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with locally progressive gastric cancer.
Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 34 patients with pathologically identified gastric cancer who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery. Chemotherapy regimens were followed and 18F-FDG PET/CT was conducted. We ascertained multiparamaters of the target lesions pre- and post-treatment and determined the ideal cutoff values for the percentage change in biomarkers. Independent factors were evaluated using binary logistic regression. A response classification system was used to explore the association between metabolic and anatomical responses and the degree of pathological remission.
Results: Binary logistic regression analysis showed that Lauren bowel type and change in total lesion glycolysis >45.2% were risk predictors for the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy; total lesion glycolysis demonstrated the best predictive efficacy. The categorical variable system of the two-module response (metabolic and anatomical response) group had a higher predictive accuracy than that of the single-module response (metabolic or anatomical response) group.
Conclusions: Using 18F-FDG PET/CT multiparametric quantitative analysis, Lauren bowel type and change in total lesion glycolysis >45.2% were independent predictors of the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma. Additionally, the dual-module assessment demonstrated high predictive efficacy.
Trial Registration Number:MR-33-23-034719 2023.09.07 Review the registration
A method of screening for Klinefelter syndrome by detecting amniotic fluid punctures
Authors: Xiang Junbei , Wan Qian
Published: December 2023

We aimed to develop a new method of screening for Klinefelter Syndrome by detecting amniotic fluid punctures to complement the current methods. Two commercially available genomic DNA extracted from the amniotic fluid puncture of the pregnant woman with the Klinefelter syndrome fetus, two genomic DNAs extracted from two healthy females and four genomic DNAs extracted from four healthy males were used as the qPCR template DNAs and the commercially available Sybr green qPCR master mix were used; we designed and synthesized 5 pairs of qPCR primers respectively corresponding to IL-10 gene on 1# chromosome, STAT1 gene on 2# chromosome, CXCR3 gene on X chromosome, TSPY1 gene on Y chromosome and LINC00458 on 13# chromosome. We then performed Sybr green qPCR measurement. We processed the qPCR data by mathematical calculation and finally formed a new algorithm. Using the new algorithm, we easily distinguished the Klinefelter syndrome samples out of the normal male samples. We developed a new method of screening for Klinefelter syndrome for the male fetus by detecting amniotic fluid punctures to complement the current methods.
Occurrence of Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profile in Locally and Commercially Produced Yogurt Sold in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Frew Mihret , Wolkaro Takele , Galmassa Ulfina
Published: December 2023

The present study was conducted to assess the occurrence and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus isolates from locally and commercially produced yogurt sold in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A total of 40 yogurt samples (20 commercially and 20 locally produced) were collected from retail markets. Samples were cultured according to standard microbiology techniques, and the Vitek 2XL compact systems (bioMérieux) were used both to confirm the presumptive colonies and antimicrobial sensitivity testing following the manufacturer’s instructions. E. coli and Salmonella spp. were found to be 9 (45%) and 2 (10%) and 5 (25%) and 1 (5%) of locally and commercially produced yogurt samples, respectively. However, S. aureus was not detected in any of the yogurt samples. Interestingly, 7–28% of E. coli isolates were resistant to ampicillin, amoxicillin, cephalexin, cefalotin, cefpodoxime, enrofloxacin, marbofloxacin, pardofloxacin, doxycycline, tetracycline, nitrofurantoin, chloramphenicol and cotrimoxazole (thrimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole). Similarly, Salmonella spp. isolates were resistant to ampicillin, pardofloxacin, doxycycline, and tetracycline. Our findings indicate that. E. coli and Salmonella spp. isolates with a high percentage of antimicrobial resistance highlight the health risk for consumers. Therefore, yogurt producers and handlers need to place more emphasis on quality assurance.
Effects of cold spray on thirst, frequency of oral care, and pain of general surgery intensive care unit patients
Authors: GÜNGÖR SERAP , TOSUN BETUL , CANDIR GOZDE , OZEN NURTEN
Published: December 2023

Background
This study aims to investigate the effects of intraoral cold water spray on thirst, frequency of oral care and postoperative pain at surgical incision site in patients having abdominal surgery.
Methods
The study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial. Data were collected using patient information form, NRS, Intensive Care Oral Care Frequency Assessment Scale (ICOCFAS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
Results
The severity of thirst at post-operative 1st, 8th, 16th hours (p < 0.01) and the frequency of oral care application at 16th hour were statistically significantly decreased in the intervention group when compared to the control group (p < 0.01). There wasn’t statistically significant difference between the patients in the intervention and control groups in terms of pain at surgical incision site (p > 0.05).
Conclusion
In patients undergoing abdominal surgery, the use of cold water spray application may be recommended to reduce thirst and the need for frequency of oral care application.
Trichoderma koningiopsis applied as seed coating protects sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) from fungal contaminants during storage
Authors: Guerrero Karen Viviana Osorio , Moscoso Manuel Patiño , Gómez Deisy Lorena Flórez , Cortes-Rojas Diego Francisco
Published: December 2023

Seed coating is an effective method for delivering beneficial microorganisms to the soil, additionally, coated seeds are protected against pathogens or microbial contaminants during storage. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of seed coating with the beneficial fungusTrichoderma koningiopsisagainst fungal contaminants of sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor(L.) Moench) during storage. Sorghum-treated seeds with three concentration ofTrichoderma koningiopsiswere stored at two temperatures (5°C and 18°C) over 12 months to evaluate physiological-, and sanitary quality of seeds. The concentrations of the most prevalent contaminant fungiDiaporthe melonis,Curvularia lunataandPenicillium polinocumwere monitored. The viability ofTrichoderma koningiopsisover seeds was evaluated every three months and correlated with the seed quality variables. The results indicate that beneficial fungi can protect seed against fungal contamination during storage avoiding the application of a chemical fungicide. The coating procedure did not affect the seed germination over the 12 months of storage.
UV-light-responsive Ag/TiO2/PVA nanocomposite for photocatalytic degradation of Cr, Ni, Zn, and Cu heavy metal ions
Authors: Dehghani Mohammad Taha , Delnavaz Mohammad
Published: December 2023

The rapid growth of industrialization has led to the uncontrolled pollution of the environment, and rapid action is needed. This study synthesized Ag/TiO2/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nano photocatalyst for promising light-derived photocatalytic removal of heavy metal ions. The design of experiment (DOE) was used to study the effect of important factors (pH, reaction time, and photocatalyst dosage) to maximize the final performance of the photocatalyst. In the optimized condition, the Ag/TiO2/PVA nano-photocatalyst removed more than 94% of Cr6+ in 180 minutes, and the efficiency was more than 70% for Cu2+, Zn2+, and Ni2+ metal ions. The adsorption of the heavy metal ions on the photocatalyst was described well with the Langmuir isotherm, while the pseudo-second-order linear kinetic model fitted with the experimental data. The nano-photocatalyst's stability was confirmed after maintaining its performance for five successive runs. The enhanced photocatalytic activity for the heavy metal ions removal can be attributed to the presence of metallic silver nanoparticles (electron transfer and plasmonic fields mechanisms) and PVA, which delayed the recombination of electron-hole. The synthesized ternary Ag/TiO2/PVA nano-photocatalyst showed promising performance for the elimination of heavy metal ions and can be used for environmental remediation purposes.
Evaluation of the sentinel yellow fever surveillance system in Uganda, 2017–2022: strengths and weaknesses
Authors: Wanyana Mercy Wendy , King Patrick , Migisha Richard , Kwesiga Benon , Okello Paul Edward , Kadobera Daniel , Bulage Lilian , Ario Alex Riolexus , Kayiwa Joshua , Nankya Annet Martha , Harris Julie R.
Published: December 2023

Background
Uganda has a sentinel surveillance system in seven high-risk sites to monitor yellow fever (YF) patterns and detect outbreaks. We evaluated the performance of this system from 2017–2022.
Methods
We evaluated selected attributes, including timeliness (lags between different critical time points), external completeness (proportion of expected sentinel sites reporting ≥ 1 suspect case in the system annually), and internal completeness (proportion of reports with the minimum required data elements filled), using secondary data in the YF surveillance database from January 2017–July 2022. We conducted key informant interviews with stakeholders at health facility and national level to assess usefulness, flexibility, simplicity, and acceptability of the surveillance system.
Results
In total, 3,073 suspected and 15 confirmed YF cases were reported. The median time lag from sample collection to laboratory shipment was 37 days (IQR:21–54). External completeness was 76%; internal completeness was 65%. Stakeholders felt that the surveillance system was simple and acceptable, but were uncertain about flexibility. Most (71%) YF cases in previous outbreaks were detected through the sentinel surveillance system; data were used to inform interventions such as intensified YF vaccination.
Conclusion
The YF sentinel surveillance system was useful in detecting outbreaks and informing public health action. Delays in case confirmation and incomplete data compromised its overall effectiveness and efficiency.
An adult with hemorrhagic varicella co-infects with cytomegalovirus:A case report
Authors: Shi Siman , Zheng Rongchang , Cai Xuexin , Zhou Xiuxian , Wen Ju
Published: December 2023

Background Hemorrhagic varicella(HV) is a rare disease with high mortality in adults. Thus far,approximately 4 cases have been reported. Occasional cases of HV have been reported in adults with hemopathy or other diseases. There only one case described simultaneous reactivation of cytomegalovirus in a chickenpox adult but we are not aware of any description of the changes in liver function indicators of the patient. This is very regrettable for that CMV infection can further exacerbate liver failure and increase mortality.Here we describe a patient with hemorrhagic varicella co-infection with cytomegalovirus and provide a specific description of the indicators of liver damage.Case Presentation: We report the case of a 25-year-old male with HV.He had a history of nephrotic syndrome generally controlled with orally administered prednisone,50mg per day for two months.The patient presented to the emergency room with a complaint of abdominal pain and hemorrhagic vesicles on his body for 3 days.And doctors were unable to make a clear diagnosis.On the first day of hospitalization, the leukocyte count was 20.96/L. So he was given broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment.At the same time, the quantitative analysis of cytomegalovirus DNA was IU/ml in his plasma,so he was treated with intravenous administered ganciclovir. However,he died due to rapidly worsening symptoms. Within one week of the patient's death, chickenpox gradually developed in the doctors and nurses who came into contact with him. In situations like this We speculated that the diagnosis of this patient should be rare hemorrhagic varicella.Conclusions Rapid recognition and appropriate treatment of adult HV are needed to improve the prognosis.
Redefining Ellisembia sensu stricto with a reassessment of related taxa in Sordariomycetes
Authors: Delgado Gregorio , Koukol Ondřej , Maciá-Vicente Jose G. , Colbert William , Piepenbring Meike
Published: December 2023

The generic limits of the large and polyphyletic genus Ellisembia are redefined in a strict sense based on a recent collection of its type species, E. coronata, on the original host at the type locality in Germany. Multigene phylogenetic analyses revealed that the fungus belongs to Sporidesmiaceae (Sordariomycetes) where it groups together with other morphologically similar ellisembia-like taxa in a distinct monophyletic lineage distant from Sporidesmium. Ellisembia is therefore restricted to those members of this novel group having distoseptate conidia and producing none or a few percurrent extensions. Its previous synonymy under Sporidesmium is rejected and four novel combinations are proposed including E. pseudobambusae comb. nov., recently collected on a dead branch of Arundinaria sp. (Poaceae) in Texas, USA. To further stabilize the application of this generic name, Ellisembia is lectotypified with an authentic specimen of S. coronatum, the basionym of E. coronata, preserved at G. Additionally, the genus Lomaantha, typified by L. pooga, is expanded and emended to include E. brachypus and related ellisembia-like taxa grouping together in a distinct lineage within Chaetosphaeriaceae (Sordariomycetes) distant from Sporidesmiaceae. A reassessed taxonomy for members of this monophyletic clade is proposed including six new combinations. The presence of distinct pores in the conidial distosepta was assessed for this group of species and their developmental processes are described for L. brachypus and L. folliculata based on fresh and herbarium specimens. Sporidesmiella angustobasilaris, which typifies the genus Anasporidesmiella, is reduced to synonymy of L. folliculata upon examination of its type material.
A combined calibration method for workpiece positioning in robotic machining system and a hybrid optimization algorithm for improving the TCP calibration accuracy
Authors: Hao Daxian , Zhang Gang , Zhao Huan , Ding Han
Published: December 2023

This paper addresses the robot machining requirements for large aerospace structural components and provides a method for rapid workpiece positioning in robot machining systems that combines the ease of visual measurement-based positioning with the precision of contact-based positioning. In order to enhance the precision of the robot calibration system, this paper introduces a method that utilizes a ruby probe as a calibration tool to perform a sphere-to-sphere contact calibration of the Tool Center Point (TCP). A robot contact calibration model is established, converting the calibration problem into a non-linear least squares optimization problem. To address the challenges of multi-dimensional non-convex continuous optimization, the paper designs a combined LM-D algorithm that incorporates the Levenberg-Marquardt (L-M) algorithm and the DIRECT algorithm, engaging in mutual iterative processes to obtain the global optimum. This approach ensuring algorithm efficiency while maximizing the potential for a global optimum solution. In the algorithm, an iterative convergence termination criterion for robot TCP calibration is established, which is used to determine whether the algorithm converges globally. This criterion also contributes to improving the algorithm's efficiency. Experimental tests were conducted on typical industrial robots, and the results illustrate the algorithm's superior performance in terms of both global convergence and high iteration efficiency compared to traditional methods. This research offers a promising and efficient solution for robot TCP calibration in industrial.
Manual skills workshops for primary care physicians in Israel: A comprehensive analysis
Authors: Rosenblum Omer , Yehoshua Ilan , Adler Limor , Liran Ori
Published: December 2023

Background Some of the most common complaints addressed by primary care physicians (PCPs) require manual interventions, such as lacerations repair, abscesses drainage, ingrown toenails removal, dry needling for myofascial pain syndrome, and Epley maneuver for treating benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). The aim of this study was to describe the manual skills workshops program for PCPs, implemented in Maccabi Healthcare Services and to investigate how many PCPs participated and used the skills since the program's inception in 2017. Methods In this observational study, we followed all participants in courses that were held during 2017–2021. We extracted all procedures that were made during these years by PCPs in MHS who learned the skill. Results During the study period, 620 PCPs participated in workshops for dry needling, soft-tissue and joint injections, BPPV treatment, minor surgical procedures, and spirometry. Most procedures performed were dry needling (average annual number 3,537) and minor surgical procedures (average annual number 361). The average annual use per physician was highest for dry needling (annual average use per physician who used the learned skill was 50.9), followed by soft tissue and joints injections (16.8), minor surgical procedures (14.8) and BPPV treatment (7.5). Conclusion Manual skills workshops may expand PCPs' therapeutic arsenal, thus empowering PCPs and providing more comprehensive care for patients. Some manual skills, such as dry needling, soft tissue injections, and the Epley maneuver, were more likely to be used by participants than other skills, such as spirometry and soft tissue injections.
The Effect of Somatic Pain and Comorbid Mental Distress on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Orthodontic Patients
Authors: Xie Yaxin , Zheng Xinrui , Li Yuanhong , He Jiayue , Wang Peiqi , Han Xianglong
Published: December 2023

Objectives:The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of somatic pain in orthodontic patients and determine whether somatic pain contributes to worsening oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL)through the mediating effect of psychological discomfort.
Materials and Methods: Scale measurements and analyses were conducted on a cohort of 769 orthodontic outpatients, encompassing Patient Health Questionnaire-15-pain (PHQ-15-P), Hua-Xi Emotional-Distress Index (HEI),Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ), and Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14).
Results: Among the respondents, 56.3% (N = 433) reported somatic pain and 20.0% (N = 154) had mental discomfort based on PHQ-15-P and HEI scores. Patients with somatic pain symptoms had significantly higher scores of HEI and OHIP-14 (P < 0.001), and higher PHQ-15-P and HEI scores emerged as statistically significant predictors of lower OHIP-14 scores (P < 0.001). HEI scores which assessed anxiety and depression partially mediated the correlation between PHQ-15-P and OHIP-14 scores, of which anxiety accounted for 52.9% of the overall mediation effect, dominating the indirect effect.
Conclusion: Orthodontic patients reporting somatic pains were at a significantly higher risk of worsening OHRQoL during treatment, and this adverse effect is partially mediated by anxiety and depression.
Clinical Relevance: Our findings highlight the necessity for the assessment of general health and mental well-being during orthodontic interventions. To prevent delays in treating general disorders and the potential failure of orthodontic treatments, we encourage increased awareness and attentiveness towards patients with somatic symptoms and consideration of the adverse effects of comorbid mental distress.
A data-driven short video international communication model based on indicator system based communication network and attention based BiLSTM neural network
Authors: Song Jinbao , Liu Jing
Published: December 2023

As one of the most popular ways to disseminate Internet content in the current era of media convergence, short videos have increasingly become part of people’s daily lives. This paper takes TikTok as the research object, focusing on the study of short video communication process. Firstly, the key objective indicator system about international communication of short videos is constructed, the definition, selection and design logic of key objective indicators are introduced, the construction idea of the corresponding indicator system is proposed, and then the key objective indicator system about international communication of short videos and related data set are constructed. Secondly, an international communication network model for short videos is built. The construction of this network model is divided into three steps, the construction of the short video communication network KOIS-PN based on the key objective indicators system, the construction of AT-BiLSTM neural network model, the construction of an international communication network model of short videos combining KOIS-PN and AT-BiLSTM. Thirdly, the performance of the core theoretical model proposed in this paper is verified. The experimental results show that, the KOISPN-ATBiLSTM international communication network model of short videos has certain validity and advancement.
A model for the estimation of height and body mass index from arm span and to determine the socio-demographics characteristics: a case study of Bowen University Students
Authors: Adebajo AO , Ojo G B , Adebajo K P , Ojo J H , Ayoade O H , Awolola A M , Uduakabong S
Published: December 2023

Arm span is the most reliable anthropometric measurement to predict the stature of an individual. Arm span, hand length, foot length, head circumference etc., have been proven to be useful to correctly estimate the height of a person. This study was intended to derive a model for the estimation of height and body mass index from arm span and also to determine the socio-demographics characteristics of the participants. Samples of 500 students in Bowen University were used for this research (250 males and females respectively) with varying ethnicity. Heights were measured accurately while Weight was taken using a standard calibrated weight scale; arm span measurement. Analyzed by Pearson’s correlation, the results analysis showed a significant effect of arm span on height on males, and a significant effect of height on BMI in both sexes. There is a significant effect of arm span on BMI on male and no significant effect in females; results from t- test indicated sexual dimorphism in height and arm span but not in BMI.