bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Instrumentation of a sealing layer made of a green liquor dregs- and bentonite amended till – Remediation of sulfidic mine waste
Authors: Nigéus Susanne , Maurice Christian , Lindblom Jenny
Published: May 2023

In Sweden, the common method to stop sulfide oxidation and the production of acid rock drainage (ARD) from unattended sulfidic mine waste is the application of a dry cover solution on the waste. Recycling a non-hazardous industrial residue, such as green liquor dregs (GLD), in this cover solution is beneficial for both the mining industry where there is a great need for alternative materials and the providing industry by minimizing the waste deposited. The objectives of this field study were to install and evaluate the instrumentation of a sealing layer made of GLD- and bentonite amended till (respectively), and to evaluate two different methods of installation: monitoring wells and pits. Experiences from this study demonstrate that it is difficult to properly seal the drill holes after installation of the probes and suggest that the best alternative for future installation of instruments in a sealing layer might be to excavate a pit in the protection layer after installation of the soil cover and then drill the probes into the sealing layer from that pit.
MicroRNA-139-5p regulates NSCLC tumorigenicity by targeting TOP2A
Authors: Zhang Xin , Jiang Junying , Liang Boxuan , Lin Xi , Zhong Yizhou , Huang Yuji , Huang Zhenlie
Published: May 2023

MicroRNA-139-5p (miR-139-5p) plays a crucial role in cancer’s onset and progression and is considered a tumor suppressor gene. However, the biological functions and mechanism of miR-139-5p in the tumorigenicity in Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has received insufficient investigation. We investigated the miR-139-5p expression in lung cancer tissues and the adjacent normal lung tissues, in 54 NSCLC patients. Additionally, the miR-139-5p target gene was predicted by bioinformatics analysis and then confirmed by a dual-luciferase reporter assay. The biological functions of miR-139-5p and the target gene have been investigated, in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Finally, the anti-tumor effects of miR-139-5p were corroborated by tumor formation assay in nude mice and progression-free survival analysis in another 144 NSCLC patients.MiR-139-5p was down-regulated, and inversely correlated with DNA topoisomerase II alpha (TOP2A), in both NSCLC tissues and cells. In vitro, miR-139-5p overexpression suppressed proliferation, migration, and invasion by down-regulating TOP2A in normal human bronchial epithelioid cells and NSCLC cell lines. It also induced apoptosis in NSCLC cell lines. In vivo, miR-139-5p up-regulation and the TOP2A mRNA down-regulation were significantly correlated, with longer progression-free survival times in 144 NSCLC patients. Moreover, miR-139-5p overexpression mitigated the xenograft tumor formation. MiR-139-5p inhibited growth and metastasis in NSCLC cell lines via direct TOP2A targeting. Low miR-139-5p expression showed a significant correlation with poor prognosis in NSCLC patients. These results highlight the effect of miR-139-5p on NSCLC, suggesting that miR-139-5p is a promising biomarker for NSCLC prognosis and an exceptional candidate for further therapeutic exploration.
Relationship between head control ability and step leg hip kinematics during crossover steps in older individuals
Authors: Taleuchi Yahiko , Fujio Kimiya
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of lateral stepping in response to disturbance loading in relation to kinematic factors of the step leg hip by evaluating head stability and righting ability during crossover steps. The participants comprised 11 healthy older individuals and 13 younger individuals (mean age, 73.3 and 20.2 years, respectively). An electromagnet-controlled disturbance loading device caused crossover steps due to lateral disturbance which were measured using a motion capture system and force plates. The extent of lateral head sway was found to be significantly greater and the angle and angular velocity of head righting were significantly lower in the older individuals than in the younger individuals. A significant negative correlation was found between neck lateral flexion moment and hip flexion angular velocity of the step leg in both groups. Correlation analysis between cervical lateral flexion moment and hip adduction angular velocity showed a significant negative correlation only in the older group. The results of the study indicate that during lateral stepping due to external disturbances, older individuals experienced increased instability in the lateral direction of the head and decreased righting angles and angular velocities.
A Study on Quality of life (QoL), Gait Characteristics & Fatigue in Post Stroke Survivors of Odisha
Authors: soumyashree sonali , Ghosh tirthankar
Published: May 2023

Background & Purpose Stroke is the 3rd leading cause of death in India with a prevalence of 200/1 lakh population. More than 80% of stroke patients have difficulties in ambulance and daily life activities decreasing the quality of life. Community dwelling stroke survivors have high risk of fall owing to the abnormal gait pattern. There is increased fatigue and low performance due to the neuromusculoskeletal abnormalities. This study aims to find out the prevalence of post stroke complications like quality of life, gait characteristics & fatigue in geographical region of Odisha.Methods A prospective prevalence study was conducted in various hospitals in Cuttack & Khordha districts of Odisha. Video analysis was done using a normal videography camera. Stroke specific-QOL(SSQOL) was used to determine the quality of life, on observational gait analysis (OGA- Videography) to find out the gait abnormalities & Fatigue severity scale (FSS) to assess the level of fatigue.Results Twenty stroke patients, 12 males & 8 females were included in the study. 85% patients showed reduced ankle dorsiflexion and 70% patients showed reduced knee flexion in swing phase. 85% patients showed disturbances in mood & personality & around 95% people showed fatigue following low intensity exercise.Conclusion The results of this study showed a prevalence of 84.6% post stroke complications in stroke survivors of Odisha
Patient self-inflicted lung injury associated pneumothorax/pneumomediastinum is a risk factor for worse outcomes of severe COVID-19: a case-control study
Authors: Cai Zhigui , Lv Xing , Wu Yunfu , Niu Xiaona , Guo Xingxing , Song Liqiang
Published: May 2023

Purpose We aimed to determine the clinical characteristics of patient self-inflicted lung injury (P-SILI)-associated pneumothorax/pneumomediastinum, explore its risk factors, and measure its impact on severe COVID-19 cases.Methods In total, 229 patients were included in this case-control study. They were divided into the case group and control group according to the inclusion criteria. Then, the two groups were compared to explore the risk factors of spontaneous pneumothorax/pneumomediastinum. Finally, we analyzed the risk factors of death in the case group and among all patients.Results The mean age of patients was 59.69 ± 17.01 years, most of them were male (74.2%), and 62.0% of them had comorbidities on admission. A respiratory rate higher than 30 was a risk factor for spontaneous pneumothorax/pneumomediastinum (OR = 7.186, 95% CI 2.414–21.391, P < 0.001). Patients with delayed intubation due to early application of HFNC or NIV had a higher mortality rate when they were complicated with spontaneous pneumothorax/pneumomediastinum (p < 0.05). Additionally, advanced age increased the risk of death (p < 0.05). Finally, spontaneous pneumothorax/pneumomediastinum may be a risk factor for death among patients with severe COVID-19 (OR 2.047).Conclusion P-SILI occurs in severe COVID-19 with acute respiratory failure. It is necessary to identify the risk factors of P-SILI, the indicators of severe P-SILI, and the preventive measures.
Prospective validation of VEGF and eNOS polymorphisms as predictors of first-line bevacizumab efficacy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Marisi Giorgia , Azzali Irene , passardi alessandro , Rebuzzi Francesca , Bartolini Giulia , Urbini Milena , Canale Matteo , Molinari Chiara , Matteucci Laura , Sullo Francesco , Debonis Silvia Angela , Gallio Chiara , Gallo Graziana , Frassineti Giovanni Luca , Ulivi Paola
Published: May 2023

Bevacizumab (Bev) plus chemotherapy is a standard first-line treatment in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), however to date no predictive factors of response have been identified. Results of our previous analysis on patients enrolled in a randomized prospective phase III multicenter study (ITACa study) showed a predictive value of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) polymorphism (VEGF + 936), a 27-nucleotide variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene and eNOS + 894 polymorphism. mCRC patients, treated with Bev plus chemotherapy, were included in this prospective validation trial. eNOS + 894G > T was analyzed by Real time PCR, while the eNOS VNTR and VEGF + 936C > T were determined by standard PCR and direct sequencing analysis. These polymorphisms were assessed in relation to progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and objective response rate (ORR). These three polymorphisms were not predictive of PFS (p 0.91, 0.59 and 0.09, respectively), and OS (p 0.95, 0.32 and 0.46, respectively). Moreover, the haplotype analyses did not confirm what was found in our previous study; patients bearing a specific haplotype of eNOS had not significantly improved outcomes. This prospective study failed to validate the predictive impact of eNOS and VEGF polymorphisms for response to Bev plus first-line chemotherapy in mCRC patients.
Microbial hydrogen consumption leads to a significant pH increase under high-saline-conditions– implications for hydrogen storage in salt caverns
Authors: Dopffel Nicole , Mayers Kyle , Kedir Abduljelil , Alagic Edin , An-Stepec Biwen Annie , Djurhuus Ketil , Boldt Daniel , Beeder Janiche , Hoth Silvan
Published: May 2023

Salt caverns have been successfully used for natural gas storage globally since the 1940s and are now under consideration for hydrogen (H2) storage, which is needed in large quantities for the Green Shift. Salt caverns are not sterile, and H2 is a ubiquitous electron donor for microorganisms. This could entail that the injected H2 will be microbially consumed, leading to a volumetric loss and potential production of toxic H2S. However, the extent and rates of this microbial H2 consumption under high-saline cavern conditions are not yet understood. To investigate microbial consumption rates, we cultured the halophilic sulphate-reducing bacteria Desulfohalobium retbaense and the halophilic methanogen Methanocalcus halotolerans under different H2 partial pressures. Both strains consumed H2, but consumption rates slowed down significantly over time. The activity loss correlated with a significant pH increase (up to pH 9) in the media due to intense proton- and bicarbonate consumption. In the case of sulphate-reduction, this pH increase led to dissolution of all produced H2S in the liquid phase. We compared these observations to an original brine retrieved from a salt cavern located in Northern Germany, which was incubated with 100% H2 over several months. We again observed a H2 loss (up to 12%) with a concurrent increase in pH up to 8.5 especially when additional nutrients were added to the brine. Our results clearly show that sulphate-reducing microbes present in salt caverns will consume H2, which will be accompanied by a significant pH increase, resulting in reduced activity over time. This potentially self-limiting process of pH increase during sulphate-reduction will be advantageous for H2 storage in low-buffering environments like salt caverns.
ISRIB improves white matter injury following TBI by inhibiting NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy
Authors: Zhou Wenzhu , Liang Yidan , Du Weihong , Liao Xinyu , Fu Wenqiao , Tian ShanShan , Deng Yongbing , Jiang Xue
Published: May 2023

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) often results in persistent neurological dysfunction, which is closely associated with white matter injury. While the mechanisms underlying white matter injury after TBI remain unclear, recent research has implicated ferroptosis, a form of programmed cell death, in cognitive impairment after TBI. Ferritinophagy, a selective autophagic process that degrades ferritin and releases free iron. Here, we established a rat model of TBI and examined the expression of NCOA4, which mediates ferritin degradation through autophagy in lysosomes, to investigate whether ferritinophagy contributes to white matter injury after TBI. Our results showed that NCOA4 was overexpressed in the rat model of TBI, and knockdown of NCOA4 using shNCOA4 lentivirus infection inhibited ferroptosis induced by ferritinophagy. Furthermore, we found that treatment with ISRIB, a small molecule that selectively inhibits the integrated stress response, attenuated NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy and improved white matter injury. These findings suggest that NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy is a critical mechanism underlying white matter injury after TBI, and that ISRIB may hold promise as a therapeutic agent for treating this injury.
Prediction of T staging in PI-RADS 4-5 prostate cancer by combination of multiparametric MRI and 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT
Authors: Ding Yuanzhen , Mo Chenghao , Ding Qiubo , Lin Tingsheng , Gao Jie , Chen Mengxia , Lu Wenfeng , Sun Jiyuan , Wang Feng , Zang Shiming , Zhang Qing , Zhang Shiwei , Guo Hongqian
Published: May 2023

Background To explore the diagnostic performance of Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI), 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT (PET/CT) and combination of 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT and mpMRI (mpMRI + PET/CT) for extracapsular extension (ECE). Based on the results, to predict T staging in prostate cancer.Methods By enrolling 75 patients of prostate cancer with mpMRI and PET/CT before radical prostatectomy, we analyzed the detection performance of ECE in mpMRI, PET/CT and mpMRI + PET/CT using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis. Dividing the lesions into different PI-RADS score, the improvement was analyzed by net reclassification improvement (NRI). Predictors for T staging were evaluated by using univariate and multivariable analysis. The Kappa test was used to evaluate the prediction ability.Results From 75 patients, 50 of 103 regions were positive for ECE. AUC of mpMRI + PET/CT improved ECE diagnosis compared to mpMRI alone respectively (ΔAUC = 0.101; 95% CI, 0.0148 to 0.1860; p < 0.05, respectively). Comparing mpMRI + PET/CT to mpMRI, lesions with PI-RADS 4–5 had a significant improvement (NRI 36.1%, p < 0.01). The diagnosis of mpMRI + PET/CT was an independent predictor (p < 0.001) in logistic regression analysis. In patients with PI-RADS 4–5 lesions, 40 of 46 (87.0%) patients has correct T staging prediction (κ 0.70, p < 0.01).Conclusion The prediction of T staging in PI-RADS 4–5 prostate cancer by mpMRI + PET/CT had a moderate performance.
Model-based comparison on multiple imputations and missing data analysis on nutritional status among under-five children in Ethiopia
Authors: Debeko Dereje Danbe , Aboagye Richard Gyan , Duodu Precious Adade , Seidu Abdul-Aziz , Ahinkorah Bright Opoku , Abdisa Kenenisa
Published: May 2023

Background Missing data is a common occurrence in survey data. It arises in the analysis whenever one or more of the sequences of measurements from subjects within the study are incomplete. There are various approaches proposed to handle missing data. However, most of the survey studies ignore the missing observations during parameter estimation even though ignoring them could lead to wrong estimations and statistical hypotheses. This study aimed to compare the effects of ignoring missing observations in the data using multiple imputations methods. Methods The efficiency of different imputation techniques was applied to the nutritional status of under-five children in Ethiopia using the 2016 Demographic and Healthy Survey dataset. There were a total of 10,641 under-five children in the survey data; however 7960 under-five children were used in the multiple imputation analyses. Multiple imputations were considered to allow for the uncertainty about the missing data by creating several different plausible imputed datasets and providing unbiased and valid estimates of associations based on information taken from the available data.Results Among the variables considered in the study, the highest percentages of missing observations were found at the zone level (58.0%) and the least missing observation was found father’s educational level (4.06%). The standard error of missed value analysis of zones variable was (stunting = 0.05, wasting = 0.06, and underweight = 0.05). But, using multiple imputed methods, estimates of zones variable were (stunting = 0.004, wasting = 0.003, underweight = 0.001) showing reduced estimation errors. Similarly, using the multiple imputation approach M (Multiple imputation) = 5(Imputed value) on stunting, wasting, and underweight, the precise parameter estimates for zones (3rd administrative level) variables were estimated to be 0.003, 0.001, and 0.004, respectively.Conclusions Ignoring missing observations in the data analysis produce biased results in the statistical hypothesis and conclusions. Using Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) imputation approaches in the analysis accounting for missed observations results decreased standard error and yield valid statistical inferences.
Contract design Strategies for Group loans limiting late repayment in Microfinance Institutions (MFIS)
Authors: ADAMOU NTIECHE
Published: April 2023

The objective of this paper is to show how the components of a debt contract optimize the loan repayment terms of borrowers (BEPs) at MFIs. The results of the bivariate probit model censored from a database of 321 group loan contracts granted over a period from 2007 to 2014 in the different second-tier MFIs show a pre-default of borrowers characterized by late repayment behavior and/or penalty payments. Our model successfully predicts being a pre-default borrower by 70.75%, while being a non-pre-default borrower will be successfully predicted by 69.54%. The results also show that the model correctly classifies 70.09% of the sample observations. Our results show that the sector of activity, the nature of the project and the presence of other MFIs in the area have a significant effect on reducing the risk of pre-default. Similarly, we note that the interest rates applied to group loans and loan rationing significantly increase the potential for group default.
Jel classification : D84; D86; G41; G51
Development and Characterization of Ni60 Alloy and SiC Ceramic Reinforced Metal Matrix Composite Coating on Ti-6Al-4V using Laser Cladding with Coaxial Powder Feeding System
Authors: Wang Huan , Shin Ki-Hoon , Kim Hong Seok
Published: May 2023

The main objective of this study was to develop a metal matrix composite (MMC) coating on Ti-6Al-4V substrate using a laser cladding method with coaxial powder feeding system. This study investigated the effectiveness of a novel material combination of Ni60 alloy and SiC ceramic in improving the surface properties of titanium alloys. The coatings were analyzed for their phase composition, microstructure, and elemental distribution. The microhardness, tribological properties, and wear mechanism of the coatings were evaluated using a Vickers microhardness tester and a ball-on-disk sliding test under dry conditions. The laser clad coatings consisted mainly of TiC, TiC + TiB eutectic, Cr7C3, Ni3Ti, and γ-Ni. The MMC coatings demonstrated significantly improved microhardness values, wear resistance, and tribological properties compared to those of the titanium substrates, due to the in-situ generation of hard particles and dispersion strengthening of the supersaturated solid solution. However, excessive SiC content resulted in increased friction coefficient, instability, and irregular wear characteristics due to brittle debonding on the wear surface. This study identified the optimal combination ratio of Ni60 and SiC powder for improving the performance of the MMC coating and proposed future research directions for further enhancing the coating properties.
CancelRx Case Study: Implications for Clinic and Community Pharmacy Work Systems
Authors: Watterson Taylor L. , Stone Jamie A. , Kleinschmidt Peter , Chui Michelle A.
Published: May 2023

Background: The medication prescribing, and de-prescribing process is complex with numerous actors, organizations, and health information technology (IT). CancelRx is a health IT that automatically communicates medication discontinuations from the clinic electronic health record to the community pharmacy’s dispensing platform, theoretically improving communication. CancelRx was implemented across a Midwest academic health system in October 2017.
Objective: The goal of this study was to describe how both the clinic and community pharmacy work systems change and interact over time regarding medication discontinuations.
Approach: Medical Assistants (n = 9), Community Pharmacists (n = 12), and Pharmacy Administrators (n =3), employed by the health system were interviewed across 3-time periods— 3-months prior to CancelRx implementation, 3-months after CancelRx implementation, and 9-months after CancelRx implementation. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed via deductive content analysis.
Key Results: CancelRx changed the medication discontinuation process at both clinics and community pharmacies. In the clinics, the workflows and medication discontinuation tasks changed over time while MA roles and clinic staff communication practices remained variable. In the pharmacy, CancelRx automated and streamlined how medication discontinuation messages were received and processed, but also increased workload for the pharmacists and introduced new errors.
Conclusions: This study utilizes a systems approach to assess disparate systems within a patient network. Future studies may consider health IT implications for systems that are not in the same health system as well as assessing the role of implementation decisions on health IT use and dissemination.
Prediction of malaria positivity using patients’ demographic and environmental features and clinical symptoms to complement parasitological confirmation before treatment
Authors: Ojurongbe Taiwo Adetola , Afolabi Habeeb Abiodun , Bashiru Kehinde Adekunle , Sule Waidi Folorunso , Akinde Sunday Babatunde , Ojurongbe Olusola , Adegoke Nurudeen Adedayo
Published: May 2023

Background Current malaria diagnosis methods that rely on microscopy and Histidine Rich Protein2 (HRP2)-based rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) have drawbacks that necessitate the development of improved and complementary malaria diagnostic methods to overcome some or all of these limitations. Consequently, the automated detection and classification of malaria can provide patients with a faster and more accurate diagnosis. Therefore, this study used a machine-learning model to predict the occurrence of malaria based on sociodemographic behaviour, environment, and clinical features.Method Data from 200 Nigerian patients were used to develop predictive models using nested cross-validation and sequential backward feature selection (SBFS), with 80% of the dataset randomly selected for training and optimisation and the remaining 20% for testing the models.Results Among the three machine learning models examined, the penalised logistic regression model had the best area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the training set (84%; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 75–93%) and test set (83%; 95% CI = 63–100%). Increased odds of malaria was associated with high body weight (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.50, 95% CI = 2.27–8.01, p < 0.0001). Even though the association between the odds of having malaria and body temperature was insignificant, patients with body temperature had higher odds of having malaria than those who did not have body temperature (AOR = 1.40, CI = 0.99–1.91, p-value = 0.068). In addition, patients who had bushes in their surroundings (AOR = 2.60, 95% CI = 1.30–4.66, p-value = 0.006) or experienced fever (AOR = 2.10, CI = 0.88–4.24, p-value = 0.099), headache (AOR = 2.07; CI = 0.95–3.95, p-value = 0.068), muscle pain (AOR = 1.49; CI = 0.66–3.39, p-value = 0.333), and vomiting (AOR = 2.32; CI = 0.85–6.82, p-value = 0.097) were more likely to experience malaria. In contrast, decreased odds of malaria were associated with age (AOR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.41–0.90, p-value = 0.012) and BMI (AOR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.26–0.80, p = 0.006).Conclusion Newly developed routinely collected baseline sociodemographic, environmental, and clinical features to predict malaria types may serve as a valuable tool for clinical decision-making.
Efficient Machine Learning of Solute Segregation Energy Based on Physics-informed Features
Authors: Ma Zongyi , Pan Zhiliang
Published: May 2023

Machine learning models solute segregation energy based on appropriate features of segregation sites. Lumping many features together can give a decent accuracy but may suffer the curse of dimensionality. Here, we modeled the segregation energy with efficient machine learning using physics-informed features identified based on solid physical understanding. The features outperform the many features used in the literature work and the spectral neighbor analysis potential features by giving the best balance between accuracy and feature dimension, with the extent depending on machine learning algorithms and alloy systems. The excellence is attributed to the strong relevance to segregation energies and the mutual independence ensured by physics. In addition, the physics-informed features contain much less redundant information originating from the energy-only-concerned calculations in equilibrium states. This work showcases the merit of integrating physics in machine learning from the perspective of feature identification other than that of physics-informed machine learning algorithms.
Investigating the relationship between antimicrobial susceptibility and serovar of Glaesserella parasuis
Authors: Lin Wei-Hao , Yang Cheng-Yao , Lin Chuen-Fu , Lin Chao-Nan , Chiou Ming-Tang
Published: May 2023

Background Glaesserella parasuis (G. parasuis) is the causative agent of Glässer’s disease and causes severe economic losses in the swine industry. Vaccination and antimicrobial therapy are crucial to Glässer’s disease prevention and control, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an important issue. As a resident microbiota and a proficient pathogen, the AMR of prevalent G. parasuis may be developed more commonly. Therefore, the aims of this study were to investigate the relationship of serovar and antimicrobial susceptibility and report the antimicrobial susceptibility of Taiwanese G. parasuis.Results Non-wild type G. parasuis populations were observed due to non-unimodal distributions of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for amoxicillin, ampicillin, enrofloxacin, florfenicol, gentamicin, gentamicin, kanamycin, lincomycin, spectinomycin and tiamulin. By contrast, MIC values for ceftiofur, cephalothin, doxycycline and florfenicol were lower (MIC90 range from 0.5 to 8 µg/mL). The dominant serovars in Taiwan were serovar 4 (33.1%), 5 (24%), 13 (14.3%), 12 (11%) and non-typable isolates (8.4%). The MIC value distributions for some antimicrobials of serovar 4 isolates were significantly higher than some other serovars (p < 0.01).Conclusions This study evidences the most prevalent G. parasuis serovar relates to AMR. Continuous surveillance of G. parasuis is needed for disease prevention, control and meeting the “One Health” concept of the World Organization for Animal Health.
Towards an integrated lightweight 3D interactive approach to guidance in assembly process
Authors: Cheng Sibo , Li Zhi , Sun Ruoyi , Guo Wenting , Bai Ao
Published: May 2023

Assembly is an essential part of the product life cycle. Inefficient assembly has a direct impact on the effectiveness and quality of the product. One of the main problems of current on-site assembly operations is clear and efficient guidance, which consists of two aspects: the lack of efficient reuse of existing data and confusion in the form of presentation. In order to reduce errors and the time required to perform assembly tasks, we aim to propose an integrated lightweight 3D interactive method to guidance in assembly process. It enables the reuse of previous process design and simulation stages, which can reduce the duplication of content and enhance the content preparation efficiency. At the same time, the method is platform-independent, does not rely on high-performance workstations and can be presented on mobile, cross-platform. One case of disassembly the graphic card in the computer is presented to verify the method.
Effects of remote ischemic preconditioning on coronary blood flow and microcirculation
Authors: Zhao Zhenzhou , Li En , Li Xuejie , Guo Quan , Shi Qingbo , Li Muwei
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to determine the effect of short-term remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) on coronary blood flow and microcirculation function using the quantitative flow ratio (QFR) and index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR). We randomly divided 129 patients undergoing coronary angiography (CAG) into RIPC and control groups. Following the first CAG, we randomly divided the patients further into the unilateral upper limb and lower limb groups for four cycles of ischemia/reperfusion circulation; subsequently, we performed the second CAG. During each CAG, contrast-flow QFR (cQFR), fixed-flow QFR (fQFR), and IMR (in patients with cardiac syndrome X) were calculated and compared. We measured 253 coronary arteries in 129 patients. Compared to the control group, the average cQFR of the RIPC group increased significantly after RIPC. Additionally, 23 patients with cardiac syndrome X (IMR > 30) were included in this study. Compared to the control group, IMR and the difference between cQFR and fQFR (cQFR-fQFR) both decreased significantly after receiving RIPC. The application of RIPC can increase coronary blood flow and improve coronary microcirculation function.
Non-medical reasons for caesarean section birth in public health facilities: Experiences from post caesarean mothers and maternity healthcare providers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Risasi Tatu , Paulo Linda Simon , Mwakawanga Dorkasi L. , Sirili Nathanael
Published: May 2023

Background Increase in Caesarean Section (CS) delivery rate has become a major global public health concern due to its risks and costs in comparison to normal vaginal births. Tanzania is not exceptional on rising rate of CS; however not all CS are done for medical reasons. Therefore, this study explored non-medical reasons for CS birth in public health facilities among mothers’ post-CS and maternity healthcare providers in Kinondoni, Dar es salaam, Tanzania.Methods An exploratory qualitative study was employed where 18 in-depth interviews were conducted with thirteen (13) women who underwent CS within six weeks and five maternity healthcare providers. Participants were recruited purposeful from postnatal clinics, labor wards, and postnatal wards in two selected health facilities. Qualitative content analysis was used for data analysis.Results Three categories of non-medical reasons for cesarean section delivery emerged. These include (i) women related practices and preferences such as local believes and practices, non-conformity to Ante-natal Care (ANC) requirements and maternal request;, (ii) influence of healthcare providers such as opportunity for financial gain, limited competencies and unfamiliarity with guidelines and (iii) limited supportive health system related reasons which included lack of proper diagnostic technologies, limited training and supportive supervision and unfavorable working environment.Conclusion This study uncovered a triad of non-medical reasons for caesarean section delivery. It is prudent that efforts to reduce CS without proper medical indication be grounded into health promotion campaigns aiming to increase conformity to ANC requirements and proper education on the use of herbs. Unavoidably, addressing non-medical causes of CS will necessitate enhancing the working environment of healthcare facilities and ensuring adequate human resources for health. All of these endeavors necessitate the concerted and coordinated efforts of numerous stakeholders.
Soil properties of agroforestry fields introducing Poplar and Willow in Goettingen, Germany
Authors: Rana Md. Tanbheer , Corre Marife D.
Published: May 2023

Land-use conversion accounts for various modifications in the scope of physical, and geochemical properties of associated components, especially soil properties. Agroforestry is a type of land management system where forestry and agricultural practices are incorporated together to achieve certain land-use management goals with respect to various environmental factors. The microclimatic condition of forest and agroforestry has a definite situation that has the potential to alternate with the change of management practices. Our study aimed to measure the soil’s physical and biogeochemical properties, greenhouse gases (GHG) potential, and nitrogen (N2) fixation properties of the respective sites during the respective study period. A certain alteration of nitrogen availability through fixation, soil organic carbon due to the availability of a thick debris layer in the forest was observed whereas water-filled pore space varied in different agroforestry and forest sites was determined because of compaction effects of agricultural practices. The presence of trees in the study area showed the trends of resulting differentiation in N2 fixation and CH4 emission. Soil microbial biomass created an impact on releasing GHG which is altered by surrounding environmental factors.
The Aroma Profile of Butters Produced Using Different Starter Cultures
Authors: Şengül Mustafa , Akgül Halil İbrahim , Ürkek Bayram
Published: May 2023

The aroma of fermented dairy products is greatly influenced by the starter culture and the lactic acid bacteria species that are used as starter cultures. Butter samples were produced using no starter culture, commercial starter culture, prepared bacteria mix and prepared bacteria mix + Lactobacillus rhamnosus B19 (L. rhamnosus B19). The aroma profile of the butter samples was investigated using GC-MS. A total of 92 components were determined in the butter samples, including acids (12), alcohols (20), aldehydes (9), alkanes (6), esters (8), ketones (19) and several other aroma compounds (18). The sample containing the prepared starter culture had the most numerous detectable aroma components, while the least numerous components were found in the sample without a starter culture. The 2,3-butanedione (diacetyl) was not detected in the sample without a starter culture. 2-Butanone 3-hydroxy- (acetoin) content was the highest in the sample containing the commercial starter culture and the lowest in the sample without a starter culture.
Feasibility, uptake, and performance of COVID-19 rapid antigen diagnostic tests among refugees and migrants: Finding from secondary analysis of data from a pilot project in Jordan
Authors: Ghawji Hassan , ALYOUSFI Mohamad Nihad , Nejem Mohammad Abu , Abaza Hiba , Satyanarayana Srinath , Wilson Nevin , Sarin Sanjay , Kao Kekeletso
Published: May 2023

1) Background: Antigen Rapid Diagnostic Tests (Ag-RDTs) supplements health system’s capacities for COVID-19 testing. Minimal data are available on their use for refugees and migrants. The study aims to describe the feasibility, uptake, and performance of Ag-RDTs among refugees and migrants in Jordan while describing the encountered facilitators and barriers.
2) Methods: A cross-sectional study using data collected from an Ag-RDTs pilot project comprising 17,000 Ag-RDTs in Jordan.
3) Results: About 17,060 people were eligible, of which 99.5% consented. Exactly 99 (0.6%) people were positive. Higher positivity was observed among those with severe COVID-19 symptoms (4.2%) and a history of COVID-19 contact (4.1%). A non-random sample of 209 people underwent confirmatory rt-PCR tests. Observed sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of Ag-RDTs were 72%, 97%, 57% and 98.5%, respectively. Key challenges included facing initial hesitancy to undergo Ag-RDTs due to perceived fear of pain, stigma, and isolation, and in getting confirmatory rt-PCR testing.
4) Conclusion: Good feasibility and uptake of Ag-RDTs were demonstrated among refugees and migrants in Jordan. Despite low positivity, certain characteristics were associated with higher rates. Higher specificity and negative predictive values indicate Ag-RDTs can be incorporated within national COVID-19 testingstrategies for ruling out COVID-19.
Loneliness, social isolation and ageing: a methodological approach to compare Latvian and Icelandic older populations in the course of COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Reine Ieva , Miķelsone Madara , Guðmundsson Helgi , Ivanovs Andrejs , Tomsone Signe , Guðmundsson Halldór S.
Published: May 2023

Background Feelings of loneliness and social isolation are common among the elderly, affecting both health and wellbeing. The COVID-19 pandemic has altered social connections through health precautions, restrictions and other factors. However, limited research has been conducted on how older people’s health and wellbeing in different countries has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to develop methodology that would allow us to compare elderly populations, aged 67 + in Latvia and Iceland, and to discuss the potential impact of diverging factors on the association between loneliness, social isolation and health.Methods Quantitative data on 420 respondents from Wave 8 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) was utilized in Latvia. Data on health and wellbeing of elderly in Iceland from a HL20 study with 1033 respondents was used to provide comparative analytic material for studying the differences between Latvia and Iceland, and within each country.Results The study revealed considerable differences between the countries regarding the frequency of loneliness and social isolation. About 80% of Latvian respondents felt socially isolated and 45% were lonely, compared to 42.7% socially isolated and 30% lonely Icelanders. In general, more elderly people in Latvia experienced difficulties than their peers in Iceland. Social isolation tends to differ across genders and age groups in both countries. This is related to marital and employment status, financial situation, and education. COVID-19 had a stronger deteriorating effect on mental and physical health among both lonely Latvian and Icelandic respondents. However, health deterioration was stronger amongst more socially isolated Icelanders compared to Latvians.Conclusions The study suggests that social isolation is a contributing factor and increases the risk of loneliness, which might have been enhanced by restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Vanadium in irrigation water and its effect on crops and soils
Authors: Klappenbach Ana Muzlera , Lavado Raúl S.
Published: May 2023

Vanadium (V) is a trace metal that comes from different anthropogenic sources, including irrigation water, and shows either positive or negative effects on crops. The present study aimed to analyze the effect of V in irrigation water on crops and soils. We determined: the effect of irrigation with V-enriched water on sunflower and soybean and V accumulation in soils subjected to irrigation with water with V levels close to the standard limit (0.1 mg V l− 1). Both a greenhouse experiment and a field soil sampling were carried out. The former was performed to mimic sprinkler irrigation, with three V concentrations (0, 5 and 10 mg V l− 1), whereas the latter was performed in a vegetable farm in sites receiving 0, 4, 12 and 17 years of irrigation. Irrigation water containing more than 5 mg V l− 1 significantly decreased sunflower aerial biomass and grain production and soybean biomass but did not affect soybean grain production. The aerial biomass of both crops showed a marked accumulation of V after irrigation but the V concentration in sunflower and soybean grains did not increase. The concentration of V in the soil profile of irrigated soils initially increased but then remained stable. Except in the cases of irrigation water with extremely high V concentrations, V had no significant effects on the crops or soils evaluated. Results allow concluding that the limit of V established in the water quality standards is appropriate.
Multivariate optimization of thiacloprid remediation using multifunctional MCM-41-Pirkle nanoadsorbent
Authors: Vedovello Priscila , Costa José Arnaldo S. , Oliveira Rhayza V. M. , Menezes Thalles H. S. , Aquino Sara D. , Costa Vinicius Câmara , Paranhos Caio Marcio , Romão Luciane P. C.
Published: May 2023

In the present approach, we investigated the performance of multifunctional nanomaterial MCM-41-Pirkle in the thiacloprid removal in water samples. In the batch adsorption tests, the effects of pH, contact time, initial concentration, and adsorbent dosage were evaluated using the factorial experimental design model and response surface method. The multifunctional MCM-41-Pirkle exhibited well-ordered hexagonal structure with space-group symmetry (P6mm), high thermal stability, good textural, structural, and morphological properties, as well as, large pore volume and high surface area. The factorial design was suitable to find the optimized conditions using a smaller number of experiments. Moreover, practically all the effects were significant, which indicates the correct choice of the relevant parameters for the thiacloprid remediation. The MCM-41-Pirkle exhibited a high and fast removal efficiency at a low concentration of thiacloprid, with up to 95.20% of thiacloprid removal in the initial 5 min. It is also possible to observe that the MCM-41-Pirkle has excellent thiacloprid removal potential at different pH values, since the removal efficiency was between 95.01–95.82%. In addition, the Pareto graph displayed the following decreasing order of significance for thiacloprid removal by the multifunctional nanomaterial MCM-41-Pirkle: nanoadsorbent mass > thiacloprid standard concentration > solution pH. Finally, a maximum removal efficiency of 95.83% was achieved at an equilibrium time of 5 min with pH 3 using 40 mg of nanoadsorbent at an initial thiacloprid concentration of 4.5 mg L− 1.
Brink of extinction: red list of epiphytes of Colombia
Authors: Carmona-Higuita Maria Judith , Arango Daihana , Calderón-Caro Jennifer , Lopez-Gallego Cristina , Castellanos-Castro Carolina , Vieira-Uribe Sebastián , Clavijo Laura Vibiana , Vasco Alejandra , Betancur Susana Vega , Testo Weston , Sundue Michael , Tuberquia Dino , Callejas Ricardo , Zuluaga Alejandro , Idárraga Álvaro , Ospina-Calderon Nhora Elena , Benavides Ana María
Published: May 2023

The IUCN Red List assessments of Colombian flora significantly impact national public policy by informing conservation strategies and prioritizing areas for conservation. However, little is known about the distribution, conservation status, or evolutionary history of most Colombian epiphytes, which prevents the development of strategies aimed at their protection. In this article, we present the results of national assessments of extinction risk for 290 species of vascular epiphyte species from Colombia, including 81 country endemics, using geographic occurrences obtained from GBIF, herbarium specimens, and expert observations and implementing an analysis of habitat quantity and quality. We identify the most common threats facing these taxa and highlight the most at-risk taxa, to identify conservation priorities for epiphytic plants in this megadiverse country. We show that focusing on specific taxonomic groups at the national level is a practical approach for accelerating the assessment process. We suggest continuing working collectively, implementing workshops to share the complete route for an individual or multispecies assessment, and sharing experiences of efforts in several countries since, with a standardized methodology and published evaluations in national and global repositories, we can continue working for the conservation of biodiversity of mega-diverse countries, which its protection is critical to maintaining global biodiversity.
Comprehensive voxel-wise, tract-based and network lesion mapping reveals unique architectures of right and left visuospatial neglect
Authors: Moore Margaret Jane , Hearne Luke , Demeyere Nele , Mattingley Jason B.
Published: May 2023

Visuospatial neglect is a common, post-stroke disorder of perception which is widely considered to be a disconnection syndrome. However, the patterns of dysconnectivity associated with neglect remain unclear. Here we had 530 acute stroke survivors (age = 72.8 (SD = 13.3), 44.3% female, 7.5 days poststroke (SD = 11.3)) undertake routine clinical imaging and standardised neglect testing. The data were used to conduct voxel-wise, tract-level, and network-level lesion-mapping analyses aimed at localising the neural correlates of left and right egocentric (body-centred) and allocentric (object-centred) neglect. Only minimal anatomical homogeneity was present between the correlates of right and left egocentric neglect across all analysis types. This finding challenges previous work suggesting that right and left neglect are anatomically homologous, and instead suggests that egocentric neglect may involve damage to a shared, but hemispherically asymmetric attention network. By contrast, egocentric and allocentric neglect were associated with dysconnectivity in a distinct but overlapping set of network edges, with both deficits related to damage across the dorsal and ventral attention networks. Critically, this finding suggests that the distinction between egocentric and allocentric neglect is unlikely to reflect a simple dichotomy between dorsal versus ventral networks dysfunction, as is commonly asserted. Taken together, the current findings provide a fresh perspective on the neural circuitry involved in regulating visuospatial attention, and provide important clues to understanding the cognitive and perceptual processes involved in this common and debilitating neuropsychological syndrome.
The Origin and Stability of Pit Lake Water in Baiyinhua, Inner Mongolia, based on Hydrochemistry and Stable Isotopes (δD, δ18O)
Authors: Pei Shengliang , Zhang Deqiang , Wang Shining , Zhang Zhaodi
Published: May 2023

The Baiyinhua area of Inner Mongolia is rich in coal resources but lacks water resources. Water required for ecological restoration in mining area is primarily obtained via pit lake water recycling. However, robust data has not yet been obtained to characterize the nature of the source, evaporation, and supply of the pit lake water. In this study, 20 groups of different water samples in the Baiyinhua mining area were collected, which were subjected to chemical analysis to determine the contents of hydrogen and oxygen stable isotopes (δD, δ18O) and ion ratios. By principal component analysis and the Rayleigh fractionation model, the mechanisms of pit lake water formation and the extent of its evaporation in the Baiyinhua mining area were revealed. The results show that the hydrochemical type of the pit lake water in the Baiyinhua mining area of Inner Mongolia is the HCO3-SO4-Na type,which is different from the surrounding water bodies (HCO3-Na-Ca and Cl-HCO3-Na types). The formation of pit lake water is mainly affected by evaporation (69.42%) and is less affected by groundwater recharge (17.06%) and human activities (11.51%). Due to its open area and relatively closed system, the evaporative loss of the pit lake water is relatively large, at about 40%-61% of the initial water body, which is 1%-22% higher compared to a nearby natural water body.