bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review on hybrid fiber reinforced concrete pavements technology
Authors: Shakir Hadeel M. , Al-Tameemi Ahmed Farhan , Al-Azzawi Adel A.
Published: June 2021

The problems of soil-structure interaction involve different members or different materials behave together under applied loading. In the case of concrete pavement resting on soil under traffic loading, both concrete and soil will deform. Rigid Pavements are made of Portland Cement Concrete (PCC). It serves out two aims, to maintain a durable surface with comfortable driving for vehicles. The second purpose is to decrease the stresses on the layers of pavement beneath the surface such as subbase and subgrade. Concrete is considered a weak material in resisting tensile stresses. Therefore, when low tensile stresses are applied, rigid pavement begins to crack effortlessly. In concrete pavement, the usage of different kinds of fiber reinforcement could be an effective technique to improve these properties. Numerous kinds of fibers are utilized in the concrete pavement to behave as an alternative to ordinary reinforcement. They may differ in material like steel or plastic and could be in many shapes, and dimensions. The addition of fibers is during the mixing when the concrete is still fresh. The incorporation of different sorts of fibers could be a significant step in diminishing the cracks and achieving a higher performance of concrete. Two kinds of fibers or even more than two can be combined to achieve a mixture that produces profits for each type of fiber in this composite. In this paper, an intensive review was made to demonstrate the forms of distresses that could happen in concrete (rigid) pavement and the impact of incorporating different kinds of fibers into the concrete to enhance the concrete ability to eliminate or even delay the process of failure.
Performance Evaluation of Mero Jointed Composite UHPC Composite Space Frame Structures
Authors: Al-Salman Harith , Muteb Haitham H.
Published: June 2021

Spaceframe is a structural roofing system that generally made of steel tubes connected by ball joints which is called MERO jointed space frame structures and mostly used for covering large space area. In addition, some advantages could be obtained with such a system, for example lower weight, high strength-to-weight ratio and low cost. This study aims to use such a known roof structure for a composite structure in which Ultra-High-Performance Concrete slabs are used to withstand various loads as a structural floor system. Various inclinations of the main elements for space frames were tested, namely 30 °, 45 ° and 60 °. The composite effect is accounted for by testing composite and non-composite samples. The test results were evaluated and compared against several performance indices, such as: Ultimate load, stiffness, hardness, ductility, ductility index and absorbed energy. Test results have shown that spaceframe models with an angle of 60 ° have the highest load-carrying capacity compared to other angles and the highest toughness compared to various techniques. Putting together 40mm UHPC slab panels reflected a slight increase in the models used in this study than traditional spaceframe samples.
The effect of filling materials on the behaviour of filled steel tube composite beam
Authors: Mahdi Hawraa H. , Shallal Muhaned A.
Published: June 2021

This study is concerned with investigating the performance of filled steel tube composite beams, the composite beam consisting of a filled steel tube and reinforced concrete slab connected by perfobond connector. Six composite beams were tested; the main parameter in this investigation was the type of filling materials used to fill the steel tube. All specimens were simply supported, the specimens tested using a four-point load. The deflection at mid-span and slips were recorded with loads. All specimens failed by the flexural and the specimens show similar behaviour during the test, the first crack of the concrete slab appears in the final stages of loading. It is found that the highest ultimate strength of the composite beam obtained when using normal concrete as a filling material. The other filling material (wood, aggregate, and lightweight concrete) were less density and ultimate load. Wood is the best filling material as an alternative to normal concrete. All these filling material gives higher ultimate strength of the composite beam compared with a hollow steel tube composite beam. The test demonstrated that the gypsum is unuseful as a filling material.
Bi-axial shear capacity of the tilted solid reinforced concrete beam subject to point loading
Authors: Mohaisen Saad Khalaf , Waryosh Waleed A. , yahya Lubna Mohammed
Published: June 2021

This paper concerns the biaxial shear capacity of reinforced concrete beams utilizing the “simple test method”. Applying the vertical shear force to the tilted beam. This loading condition simulated the response of the simply supported beams under biaxial shear applied corresponding to two main x and y axes. Three series of reinforced concrete beams have been tested. The main parameters of the present test are the tilting angle of the cross section simulating the ellipse formula of the JSCE recommendation to build reinforced concrete under biaxial shear, the shear reinforcement ratios from zero to 0.00377, 0.00502 and 0.00754, and three of ratios of longitudinal reinforcement were used (0.0276, 0.0426 and 0.0566). The ultimate capacity is discussed separately, based on the design approach using the ellipse interaction model, in terms of concrete contribution and shear reinforcement contribution (JSCE code 2010). By keeping the transverse steel ratio constant, it was found that the increase in the longitudinal ratio of reinforcement between 0.0276, to 0.0566 ‘respectively’ increased the diagonal cracking load (V
c) by 22 % and 36.8 % and the ultimate load by 8 and 18 %.
Charge exchange radiation diagnostic with gas jet target for measurement of plasma flow velocity in the linear magnetic trap
Authors: Lizunov A.
Published: June 2021

The ambipolar electrostatic potential rising along the magnetic field line from the grounded wall to the centre in the linear gas dynamic trap, rules the available suppression of axial heat and particle losses. In this paper, the visible range optical diagnostic is described using the Doppler shift of plasma emission lines for measurements of this accelerating potential drop. We used the room temperature hydrogen jet puffed directly on the line of sight as the charge exchange target for plasma ions moving in the expanding flux from the mirror towards the wall. Both bulk plasma protons and He2+ ions velocity distribution functions can be spectroscopically studied; the latter population is produced via the neutral He tracer puff into the central cell plasma. This way, potential in the centre and in the mirror area can be measured simultaneously along with the ion temperature. A reasonable accuracy of 4 ÷ 8% was achieved in observations with the frame rate of ≈1 kHz. Active acquisitions on the gas jet also provide the spatial resolution better than 5 mm in the middle plane radial coordinate because of the strong compression of the object size when projected to the centre along the magnetic flux surface. The charge exchange radiation diagnostic operates with three emission lines: H-α 656.3 nm, He-I 667.8 nm and He-I 587.6 nm. Recorded spectra are shown in the paper and examples for physical dependences are presented. The considered experimental technique can be scaled to the upgraded multi-point diagnostic for the next generation linear traps and other magnetic confinement systems.
Electron evaporation from magnetic trap in Troitsk nu-mass experiment
Authors: Nozik A. , Hamitov T.
Published: June 2021

This paper is dedicated to the simulation of the so-called trapping-effect observed in the Troitsk nu-mass experiment. The effect is caused by the magnetic trapping of decay electrons in the windowless gaseous tritium source and the gradual evaporation of those electrons. As a result, alongside regular tritium beta-spectrum electrons, we see additional electrons that are initially trapped in the source and escape it with changed energy. The spectrum of evaporated electrons is quite peculiar (almost flat for monochromatic initial electrons) and could not be directly measured in the experiment. So one has to rely on simulations. Also, it is possible that the same effect could be observed in other cases of magnetic traps.
Catalytic potential of pollination services to reconcile conservation and agricultural production: a spatial optimization framework
Authors: López-Cubillos Sofía , Runting Rebecca K , Mayfield Margaret M , Mcdonald-Madden Eve
Published: June 2021

Abstract

With a global pollinator crisis brewing, it is urgent that we preserve forests supporting wild bees and the services they provide, even in context where agricultural expansion is unavoidable. Though the maintenance of pollination services are known to be synergistic with biodiversity conservation and agricultural economic development, there are few decision support tools that explicitly show how to balance these competing objectives. We developed a novel, spatially explicit method that includes pollination supply, flow, demand, and benefits into an agricultural expansion context to improve land use decisions for agricultural outcomes that minimize environmental impacts. We provide the first study showing the trade-offs between yields and forest retention that uses all the components of pollination services across five planning scenarios (i.e. (a) baseline, (b) absence of pollinators, (c) pollinators present, (d) pollination and non-aggregated forest, (e) pollination and aggregated forest) using data on coffee from Costa Rica. The scenario that showed the highest trade-offs was when pollination services are considered unimportant, which led to a decrease on average yields (∼−23% compared to baseline), whilst also decimating remaining forest (−100% compared to baseline). Better forest retention was achieved in a scenario where pollination services were considered and more forest aggregation was required. In this case, total production incremented by ∼29% while ∼74% of forest patches were preserved. The flexibility of our framework allows adaptation to any crop that benefit from pollination services in different landscape contexts.
Diversity, composition, and abundance of zooplankton in the waters of Morella, Central Maluku, Indonesia
Authors: Huliselan NV , Tuapattinaja MA , Latukau S
Published: June 2021

Generally, conditioning of surrounding waters caused variability of the diversity, composition and abundance of zooplankton organism, therefore, this research conducted during the rainy season (July 2019) in the waters of Morella. The zooplankton weekly collected using zooplankton net at three stations for the three weeks (periods). Each station is water with different ecosystem and conditions (sea grass, coral reefs and recreation area in coral reef area). 29 genera of zooplankton were encountered, which consisted of 25 genera of holoplankton and 4 genera of meroplankton, The copepods dominated the group of holoplankton, and reached the average value of 4708 individuals/m3. The highest abundance of the zooplankton reached the numbers of 19047 individuals/m3 (St 1, first period), while the lowest was 2547 individuals/m3 (St. 3, third period). Diversity indices (H’) was in a range of 2.717-3.004, whilst the Evenness indices was ranging from 0.82-0.89 and the highest similarity indices was between station 1 and 3 (92.0%) and the lowest was between station 2 and 3 (83.64%). The Siphonophores species, Diphyes sp was the only genera, which found at station 3 from the whole periods of this research.
Population dynamic of bungo fish (Glossogobius giuris) in three integrated lakes (Danau Tempe, Danau Sidenreng, and Danau Lampokka) South Sulawesi during rainy season
Authors: Kudsiah H , Suwarni  , Rahim S W , Hidayani A A , Moka W
Published: June 2021

The rapid growth and production of bungo fish without management efforts will threaten the sustainability of endemic fish in the three lakes (Tempe Lake, Sidenreng Lake and Lapompakka Lake) which are located in the central part of the South Sulawesi region. In order to manage Bungo fish resources, information on population dynamics is needed. This research aims to save the Bungo fish species which are endemic to Tempe, Sidenreng, and Lapompakka Lakes, and other lakes in South Sulawesi from the threat of extinction. Bungo fish samples (Glossogobius giuris) were collected from fishermen’s catch during July - September 2020 in three lakes, namely the waters of Tempe Lake, Sidenreng Lake, and Lapompakka Lake. Sample measurements were carried out at the Laboratory of Fish Biology, Faculty of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, Hasanuddin University. The results showed that Lake Sidenreng had more age groups of bungo fish compared to Lake Tempe and Lake Lapompakka. The lengths found in Lake Tempe were longer than those found in Lake Sidenreng and Lake Lapompakka, and the smallest length of bungo fish was found in Lake Lapompakka. Bungo fish found in Sidenreng Lake and Lapompakka Lake are classified as fast growth because the K value is greater than 0.5, while in Lake Tempe it is classified as slow because it is smaller than 0.5. The natural mortality rate of bungo fish was more prevalent in bungo fish aged around 1 and 2 years and this was found in all three waters. Mortality that occurred at the three locations was due to natural mortality because the M value was greater than the F value.
Migratory speed and pattern of Littorina scabra on mangrove trees Sonneratia alba during incoming and outgoing tides in Tanjung Tiram, Ambon Bay
Authors: Kesaulya I , Robinson
Published: June 2021

Migratory behaviour in Littorina scabra (Linne 1758) was studied in a mangrove ecosystem and observations were made in their natural habitat or in situ observation in Tanjung Tiram, Ambon. Migratory speed and pattern of L. scabra of different sizes (small and large) particularly in mangrove Sonneratia alba were observed throughout of the February 19th to March 11th 2019 during the day and night on incoming or outgoing tides and these are usually a 3 hours (270 minutes) observation. Marked snails were used to track the position to investigate their migratory direction and speed during advancing and receding tides. Those organisms migrate up and down the trees following the tidal cycles. This study indicates that small size organisms which live on leaves, branches or trunks move faster than the big organisms and they move faster during the incoming tide than outgoing tide. For a big size L. scabra, they move slower during the incoming tide than the outgoing tide. This behaviour indicates that they move faster to avoid immersion during incoming tide than during the outgoing tide when they move slower because they are searching for food. The migration trials showed different patterns for all sizes of L. scabra and this pattern seems to be influenced by the area of surface they occupy such as leaves, branches or trunks. They tend to move forward in one direction (almost straight line) when they are on a small surface such as trunks and on the larger surface such as leaves and braches most L. scabra of all sizes make different trial patterns such zig-zag.
The concentration of lead heavy metal (Pb) in the sediment of Tantui coastal area, Hative Kecil Village, Outer Ambon Bay
Authors: Selanno D A J , Tuhumury N C , Materay D M
Published: June 2021

The pollution of lead-heavy metal (Pb) not only harmfully towards aquatic organisms, but also to a human directly or indirectly. The objectives of this study were to analyze the concentration of lead-heavy metal (Pb) accumulated in the sediment, to identify human activities potentially increase the lead-heavy metal in the sediment, and to recommend management strategy to minimize lead heavy metal concentration in the sediment surround Tantui coastal area, Outer Ambon Bay. The research was conducted in January 2020. Data on lead heavy metal were sampled purposively from 5 sites along the coastline of Tantui. Samples obtained were then analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Data on human activities were obtained through field observation and interviews using a close questionnaire against respondents taken randomly. Problem tree analysis was used to analyze human activities and produce management strategies. The result shows that lead heavy metal concentration at 5 sampling station range between 0.0975 – 0.1631 ppm. This concentration was not over the standard value allowed. Source of lead-heavy metal identified were marine transportation and domestic waste. Management strategy consent recommended are monitoring on marine transportation, provide littering and sanitation facilities permanently, and beach clean-up as a routine agenda.
Characteristics of Palm Kernel Shell and Palm Kernel Shell-Polymer Composites: A Review
Authors: Baffour-Awuah E. , Akinlabi S. A. , Jen T. C. , Hassan S. , Okokpujie I. P. , Ishola F.
Published: June 2021

The peculiar characteristics of Palm Kernel Shell (PKS) may have corresponding effects on polymer mono composites and hybrid composites when used as filler in polymer matrices. This review paper relates Palm Kernel Shell (PKS), palm kernel shell-mono composites, and palm kernel shell hybrid composites in terms of identification, sampling, and analysis. The purpose was to establish the properties of palm kernel shells and their composites as documented by various researchers in a one-stop-shop document for use by current and future researchers. The accidental and judgmental sampling procedures were employed to sample documents that relate palm kernel shells and polymers. The study revealed that lignocellulos palm kernel shell properties, including lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose might vary depending on the geographic location of the plant from which the shell is derived. Similarly, the mineral content of PKS, such as carbon, iron, Aluminum, potassium, silicon, phosphorus, oxygen, and cesium, among others, were found to vary. Other properties identified include solid density, porosity, specific gravity, specific heat capacity, moisture content, and angle of repose. The paper also observed that using PKS as a filler material in polymer composites could modify the properties of the filler and hence PKS/polymer composites. The paper concludes that PKS may be a good filler material when used in the development of PKS/oil palm mesocarp/polyethylene hybrid composites. Chemical treatment of the PKS particles may further enhance the characteristics of the evolved hybrid composite material.
Novel thin film semiconductor from plants: Application at solid state
Authors: Emetere M.E. , Afolalu S.A.
Published: June 2021

The photovoltaic (PV) modules have gained wide application and patronage in recent times. The lifespan of the PV is fifteen under normal situation. However, it has been reported by scientists that UV radiation of 47.5 W/m2 is capable of destroying the PV module. In this research, we investigated the metallic-coated plant extract (MCPE) as a protective solid-state device that can protect the PV module. The minimal UV radiation over the research site during measurement was found to be 187.3W/m2. The MCPE creates a peak-like signal that is processed in the PV module as a peak-like voltage. The bandgap of the MCPE was found to be 3.23 eV. It is recommended that further research be conducted to ascertain the amount of UV the MCPE reflects from the PV module.
Phytochemical, Proximate and Mineral Analyses of Urena lobata Stems from Imo State Nigeria
Authors: Njoku C. E. , Alaneme K. K. , Omotoyinbo J. A. , Ekeleme A. C. , Ugwu E. I. , Ikele U. S.
Published: June 2021

Urena lobata plant is a weed that wildly grows in Nigeria, especially in Imo State, the eastern part of Nigeria. The essence of this study is to analyze the phytochemical, proximate and mineral constituents of Urena lobata stems for medicinal and nutritional purposes. The analysis on the phytochemicals was done by standard methods. The proximate constituents were analyzed by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists method and other standard practices. The mineral analysis was done by Carpenter and Hendricks method. The results showed that the phytochemical analysis of Urena lobata plant depicted the presence of alkaloids, tannins, phytates, flavonoids, saponins, and cyanogenic glycoside; having quantities (mg/100g) of 4.93±0.01, 8.94 ± 0.006, 2.52 ± 0.015, 1.34 ± 0.02, 0.25 ± 0.01, and 0.22 ± 0.01 respectively. From the analysis of the proximate constituents done on the plant, the following parameters were obtained; moisture content, crude protein, fiber, crude fat/crude lipid, ash content, carbohydrate, and energy value, with values as 6.12 ± 0.74%, 4.70 ± 0.31%, 21.33 ± 0.03%, 0.56 ± 0.015%, 7.26 ± 0.084%, 59.67 ± 0.48% and 264.44 ± 0.35 Kcal/100g respectively. The minerals (mg/100g) obtained from the mineral analysis include; calcium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, iron and zinc, with magnesium having the highest value (65.32 ± 0.015) and iron the least value (3.61 ± 0.006). Based on the results obtained, the plant was established to be useful for both medicinal and nutritional purposes.
Effect of Sic Reinforcement on Mechanical And Electrical Properties of Magnesium-Aluminium (Mg-Al) Alloy Matrix Composite
Authors: Udo Mfon , Babalola Philip , Afolalu Sunday , Ongbali Samson , Apeh Friday , Olayiwola-Busari Olamilekan
Published: June 2021

Reinforcing a material with another material or composite formation has become a major technique of material formation. Reinforcement imparts new, and in many cases, improved values of properties on the material being reinforced. In this work an alloy of magnesium and aluminium (magnalium) was reinforced with different weight percentages (2.5, 5, 7.5, 10 wt %) of silicon carbide (SiC) of 600 grit size, making use of stir casting method. The specimens so developed were subjected to various mechanical tests such as hardness, tensile and flexural tests as well as electrical conductivity test. The mechanical properties’ tests were conducted using TQ SM1000 Universal Testing Machine using the provision made for each test on the machine while the electrical conductivity test was carried out using an electrical circuit specially designed for the test. It was found out that the samples that were reinforced with SiC had better mechanical properties than the samples that were not reinforced but the conductance values of the reinforced samples were lower than those of samples that were not reinforced. It was also found out that the mechanical properties increased directly proportional to the weight percentage of the SiC particles present in the composite such that the specimen with 10 wt% SiC recorded the highest values of all the mechanical properties that were tested for. For the composite with this wt% reinforcement, the hardness number value was 19.72, tensile strength value, 6328.4 MPa, and flexural strength value, 500.02 MPa but its electrical conductance was 22 S lower than the value of electrical conductance for the sample that was not reinforced at all which was 27.41228 S.
Effect of intrinsic point-defect complex on elastic properties of γ′-Ni3Al phases
Authors: Chen Yi , Deng Yong He , Chen Shuang , Luo Hai Jun , Luo Ya Jun , Peng Ping
Published: June 2021

The effect of the intrinsic point-defect complex on the elastic properties of the γ′-Ni3Al phases was investigated through first-principles calculations. The formation enthalpies show that AlNi and NiAl defects dominate in the off-stoichiometric γ′-Ni3Al phases, and the AlNi + AlNi and NiAl + NiAl point-defect complexes most likely emerge in Al-rich and Ni-rich systems, respectively. Our computational results suggest that the shear modulus G, Young’s modulus E, and melting point T
m of the Ni3Al phases increase when single anti-site defects form, but decrease when intrinsic point defects combine. With variations in the electronic structures caused by point defects, we explained the adverse effect of the intrinsic point-defect complex on the strength of the γ′-Ni3Al phases.
Safety and Persistence of Nalmefene Treatment for Alcohol Dependence. Results from Two Post-authorisation Safety Studies
Authors: Chick Jonathan , Andersohn Frank , Guillo Sylvie , Borchert Kathrin , Toussi Massoud , Braun Sebastian , Haas Jennifer S , Kuppan Kavitha , Lemming Ole M , Reines Elin Heldbo , Tubach Florence
Published: June 2021

Aims

Two post-authorisation studies assessed the safety and persistence of patients’ use of nalmefene.

Methods

The START study (EUPAS5678) was a non-interventional, multi-country, prospective, 18-month (8 follow-up visits) cohort study including outpatients initiating nalmefene for the first time. The multi-database retrospective cohort study (MDRC, EUPAS14083) included baseline and follow-up data from German, Swedish and UK healthcare databases. Both studies permitted ‘all comers’ without explicit exclusion criteria; predefined subgroups of interest included the elderly (≥65 years) as well as patients with significant psychiatric and/or somatic comorbidities.

Results

START study: Overall, the mean duration of nalmefene treatment was 10.3 ± 7.3 months (N = 1348), with 49.0% of patients treated for ≥1 year; frequent reasons for treatment discontinuation were ‘goal reached’ and ‘drug cost’. The most frequently reported adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were nausea (4.7%), dizziness (3.2%) and insomnia (2.0%). ADR rates appeared higher in the elderly subpopulation (18.6% reported ≥1 ADR vs. 12.0% in the total population) but were not higher in the other predefined subgroups.

MDRC study: The database follow-up analysis followed 2892 patients over 18 months for whom the duration of nalmefene treatment was between 2 and 3 months and <5% of patients used nalmefene for ≥1 year.

Conclusions

Despite the inclusion of a wider patient population (e.g. elderly patients and those with relevant co-morbidities), the safety and tolerability profile of nalmefene given in routine practice was consistent with previous clinical studies. The differing rates of persistence beyond 1 year likely reflect the different methodologies and highlight the relevance of psychosocial support at follow-up visits.
Mechanical stimulation in wheat triggers age- and dose-dependent alterations in growth, development and grain characteristics
Authors: Hindhaugh Rebecca , Bosch Maurice , Donnison Iain S
Published: June 2021

Background and Aims

Wheat crops are exposed to a range of mechanical stimulations in their natural environment, yet we know very little about their response to such conditions. The aim of this study was to better understand the effect of mechanical stimulation on wheat growth and development, stem mechanical properties and grain measures. We focused on the following questions: (1) Does plant age affect the response to mechanical stimulation? (2) Is there a minimum threshold for the perception of mechanical stimuli? (3) Is the effect of manual brushing different to natural wind stimulation?

Methods

For age– and dose–response experiments, wheat plants were grown under controlled glasshouse conditions with brushing treatments applied using a purpose-built rig. The results of the controlled experiments are compared with those from an outside experiment where wheat plants were exposed to natural wind, with or without additional brushing. Detailed phenotypic measurements were conducted and treatment effects on grain characteristics were determined using micro-computed tomography imaging.

Key Results

Two-week-old wheat plants were particularly sensitive to mechanical stimulation by controlled brushing treatments. Amongst others, plants exhibited a large reduction in height and grain yield, and an increase in tillers, above-ground biomass and stiffness of stem segments. Plants responded significantly to doses as small as one daily brushstroke. Outdoor experiments by and large confirmed results from controlled environment experiments.

Conclusions

The morphological and developmental response to mechanical brushing treatment, in relation to vegetative above-ground biomass and grain yield, is dependent on plant age as well as the dose of the treatments. This study shows that mechanical stimulation of wheat impacts on a multitude of agriculturally relevant traits and provides a much needed advancement of our understanding of wheat thigmomorphogenesis and the potential applications of mechanical conditioning to control relevant traits.
Long-term outcome after resection and thermal hepatic ablation of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour liver metastases
Authors: Kjaer J , Stålberg P , Crona J , Welin S , Hellman P , Thornell A , Norlen O
Published: June 2021

Background

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (Pan-NETs) are rare tumours that often present with or develop liver metastases. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate liver surgery and thermal hepatic ablation (THA) of Pan-NET liver metastases and to compare the outcomes with those of a control group.

Method

Patients with Pan-NET treated in Uppsala University Hospital and Sahlgrenska University Hospital from 1995–2018 were included. Patient records were scrutinized for baseline parameters, survival, treatment and complications.

Results

Some 108 patients met the criteria for inclusion; 57 patients underwent treatment with liver surgery or THA and 51 constitute the control group. Median follow-up was 3.93 years. Five-year survival in the liver surgery/THA group was 70.6 (95 per cent c.i. 0.57 to 0.84) per cent versus 42.4 (95 per cent c.i. 40.7 to 59.1) per cent in the control group (P = 0.016) and median survival was 9.1 (95 per cent c.i. 6.5 to 11.7) versus 4.3  (95 per cent c.i. 3.4–5.2) years. In a multivariable analysis, surgery or THA was associated with a decreased death-years rate (hazard ratio 0.403 (95 per cent c.i. 0.208 to 0.782, P = 0.007).

Conclusion

Liver surgery and/or THA was associated with longer overall survival in Pan-NET with acceptable mortality and morbidity rates. These treatments should thus be considered in Pan-NET patients with reasonable tumour burden in an intent to alleviate symptoms and to improve survival.
Preoperative high-dose glucocorticoids for early recovery after liver resection: randomized double-blinded trial
Authors: Steinthorsdottir K J , Awada H N , Schultz N A , Larsen P N , Hillingsø J G , Jans Ø , Kehlet H , Aasvang E K
Published: June 2021

Background

Glucocorticoids modulate the surgical stress response. Previous studies showed that high-dose preoperative glucocorticoids reduce levels of postoperative inflammatory markers and specific biomarkers of liver damage compared with placebo, and suggested a reduced complication rate and shorter hospital stay after liver surgery. However, there are no studies with a clinical primary outcome or of early recovery outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a single high dose of preoperative glucocorticoid reduces complications in the immediate postoperative phase after liver surgery.

Methods

This was a single-centre, double-blinded, parallel-group RCT investigating preoperative methylprednisolone 10 mg/kg (high dose) versus dexamethasone 8 mg (standard-dose postoperative nausea prophylaxis) in patients scheduled for open liver resection. The primary outcome was number of patients with a complication in the postanaesthesia care unit; secondary outcomes included duration of hospital stay, pain and nausea during admission, and 30-day morbidity.

Results

A total of 174 patients (88 in high-dose group, 86 in standard-dose group) were randomized and analysed (mean(s.d.) age 65(12) years, 67.2 per cent men); 31.6 per cent had no serious co-morbidities and 25.3 per cent underwent major liver resection. Complications occurred in the postanaesthesia care unit in 51 patients (58 per cent) in the high-dose group and 58 (67 per cent) in the standard-dose group (risk ratio 0.86, 95 per cent c.i. 0.68 to 1.08; P = 0.213). Median duration of hospital stay was 4 days in both groups (P = 0.160). Thirty-day morbidity and mortality rates were similar in the two groups.

Conclusion

A high dose of preoperative glucocorticoids did not reduce acute postoperative complications after open liver resection compared with a standard dose. Registration number: NCT03403517 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov); EudraCT 2017–002652-81 (https://eudract.ema.europa.eu/).
Hyper-Local Digital News Platforms in Eastern India: A Dynamic Space for Regional Language Media Culture
Authors: Chatterjee Mrinal , Pal Sambit
Published: June 2021

“Jumbos are on the road! Before you go out, follow our updates!” No mainstream media outlet would carry such news pertaining to a remote town in Eastern India. However, a hyperlocal news website did. This essay maps the growth of such digital media platforms,whether in the form of websites, YouTube channels or Facebook pages that cater to smalltowns and districts in eastern India. We show how both local journalists and citizens are changing the hyperlocal news culture across Eastern India.
Energy, economic and environmental performance assessment of a grid-tied rooftop system in different cities of India based on 3E analysis
Authors: Saxena Anupama Khare , Saxena Seema , Sudhakar K
Published: June 2021

India is very rich in solar energy, with a total of 3000 sunshine hours annually in most places. The installation of on-grid rooftop electricity-generation photovoltaic (PV) systems is currently undergoing substantial growth and extension as an alternate source of energy that contributes to Indian buildings. This paper analyses the viability of mounting solar PV plants in distinct cities of India in various locations with different climate conditions such as Delhi, Bhopal, Udaipur, Ahmadabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Pune and Madurai. The technical feasibility of installing a 100-kWp system is evaluated using PVsyst software under local climatic conditions. The performance ratio is between 70% and 80%, with a capacity utilization factor of 19–21% and estimated energy output of 170 MWh annually at all sites. The system produces 400–500 kWh of energy daily at a per-unit cost of INR 6–7 (Indian rupees) in all locations. The lifespan of the system is ~25–30 years, reducing about 150–170 tons of carbon-dioxide emission to the atmosphere every year. The payback period of the system is ~5–6 years, which defines its feasibility. This information would encourage organizations and individuals to install such PV plants on the rooftops of buildings to use solar electricity for meeting the energy demands of the country.
Determination of Phthalates in Marine Sediments Using Ultrasonic Extraction Followed by Dispersive Solid-Phase Extraction and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Hu Hongmei , Li Tiejun , Bao Jingjiao , Zhang Xiaoning , Sun Xiumei , Xu Kaida , Liu Qin , Guo Yuanming
Published: June 2021

A simple, rapid and novel method has been developed and validated for determination of 16 phthalates in marine sediment samples by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Freeze dried samples were first ultrasonic extraction by n-hexane:methylene chloride (1:1, v/v) and n-hexane:ethyl acetate (1:1, v/v) and followed by dispersive solid-phase extraction cleanup. The linearity of this method ranged from 1 to 1,000 μg/L, with regression coefficients ranging between 0.9993 and 0.9999. The limits of detection were in ng/g level, ranging between 0.1 and 0.25 ng/g (dry weight). The concentration of the total phthalates in marine sediment samples from Waters of Dongji (Zhoushan, China), Yueqing Bay (Wenzhou, China) and Coastal Waters of Yuhuan (Taizhou, China) ranged from 235.4 to 608.7 μg/kg with diisobutyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate being the major species, which constitutes of 94.6 and 98.1% of the total phthalates. The recoveries of spiked 16 phthalates at different concentration levels in sediment sample 3 of Waters of Dongji (Zhoushan, China) and sediment sample 3 of Yueqing bay (Wenzhou, China) were in the range of 78–117% and 83–114%, respectively, with relative standard deviations of 2.4–6.8% and 3.4–7.5% (n = 5), respectively. The performance of the proposed method was also compared with traditional Soxhlet extraction and column chromatography cleanup on the same genuine sediment samples and comparable efficiencies were obtained. It is concluded that this method can be successfully applied for the determination of phthalates in different marine sediment samples.
Aortic enlargement and coronary artery calcification in a general population cohort
Authors: Ballegaard Christian R , Pham Michael H C , Sigvardsen Per E , Kühl J Tobias , Sørgaard Mathias , Taudorf Mikkel , Fuchs Andreas , Nordestgaard Børge G , Køber Lars V , Kofoed Klaus F
Published: June 2021

Aims

The role of atherosclerosis in the pathogenesis of aortic enlargement is uncertain. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between the diameters of the ascending, descending and abdominal aorta, and coronary artery calcification.

Methods and results

Individuals in the Copenhagen General Population Study underwent thoracic and abdominal computed tomography. Maximal aortic diameters were measured in each aortic segment and coronary artery calcium scores (CACS) were calculated. Participants were stratified into five predefined groups according to CACSs and compared to aortic dimensions. The relation between aortic diameter and CACS was adjusted for risk factors for aortic dilatation in a multivariable model. A total of 2678 eligible individuals were included. In all segments of the aorta, aortic diameter was associated to CACSs, with mean increases in aortic diameters ranging from 0.7 to 3.5 mm in individuals with calcified coronary arteries compared to non-calcified subjects (P-value < 0.001). After correction for risk factors, individuals with CACS above 400 had larger ascending, descending and abdominal aortic diameter than the non-calcified reference group (P-value < 0.01).

Conclusion

Enlarged thoracic and abdominal aortic vascular segments are associated with co-existing coronary artery calcification in the general population.
The National Health Insurance System of Indonesia and primary care physicians’ job satisfaction: a prospective qualitative study
Authors: Maharani Chatila , Rahayu Sri Ratna , Marx Michael , Loukanova Svetla
Published: June 2021

Background

The implementation of the National Health Insurance System (NHIS) in Indonesia has been changing the primary care physician (PCP) work condition and their job satisfaction.

Objective

This research aimed to explore the reasons behind PCPs’ satisfaction and dissatisfaction with job satisfaction’s aspect under the NHIS reform.

Methods

We conducted an exploratory qualitative study within two areas in Central Java, Indonesia, using semi-structured in-depth interviews with 34 PCPs and 19 triangulation sources. We conducted both inductive and deductive analyses by the NVivo 11.

Results

Most PCPs felt dissatisfied with the following aspects of the NHIS: referral system, NHIS health services standard, NHIS programmes, performance evaluation and pay-for-performance, relationship with patient and workloads. PCPs felt constrained with the referral regulation and non-specialist diagnoses, which led to dissatisfaction with performance evaluation and the pay-for-performance implementation. Furthermore, an increase in workload and conflict with patients resulted from patients’ misunderstanding the NHIS health service procedures. However, PCPs felt satisfied with the chronic disease management programme and patients’ appreciation.

Conclusions

This study presents the reasons behind PCPs’ satisfaction and dissatisfaction with job satisfaction’s aspect under the NHIS reform. There is a need for additional discussion among all stakeholders (Ministry of Health, Social Security Agency for Health/SSAH, primary health care and physician’s professional organizations about the non-specialist diagnoses list, performance evaluation and pay-for-performance). The government and SSAH need to improve the communication and socialization of the NHIS procedures/regulations.
Population dynamics of GC-changing mutations in humans and great apes
Authors: Bergman Juraj , Heide Schierup Mikkel
Published: June 2021

The nucleotide composition of the genome is a balance between the origin and fixation rates of different mutations. For example, it is well-known that transitions occur more frequently than transversions, particularly at CpG sites. Differences in fixation rates of mutation types are less explored. Specifically, recombination-associated GC-biased gene conversion (gBGC) may differentially impact GC-changing mutations, due to differences in their genomic distributions and efficiency of mismatch repair mechanisms. Given that recombination evolves rapidly across species, we explore gBGC of different mutation types across human populations and great ape species. We report a stronger correlation between segregating GC frequency and recombination for transitions than for transversions. Notably, CpG transitions are most strongly affected by gBGC in humans and chimpanzees. We show that the overall strength of gBGC is generally correlated with effective population sizes in humans, with some notable exceptions, such as a stronger effect of gBGC on non-CpG transitions in populations of European descent. Furthermore, species of the Gorilla and Pongo genus have a greatly reduced gBGC effect on CpG sites. We also study the dependence of gBGC dynamics on flanking nucleotides and show that some mutation types evolve in opposition to the gBGC expectation, likely due to the hypermutability of specific nucleotide contexts. Our results highlight the importance of different gBGC dynamics experienced by GC-changing mutations and their impact on nucleotide composition evolution.
A 2-Minute Cognitive Screener for Predicting 1-Year Functional Recovery and Survival in Older Adults After Hip Fracture Repair
Authors: Fortes-Filho Sileno de Queiroz , Aliberti Márlon Juliano Romero , Melo Juliana de Araújo , Apolinario Daniel , Sitta Maria do Carmo , Suzuki Itiro , Garcez-Leme Luiz Eugênio
Published: June 2021

Background

Implementing cognitive assessment in older people admitted to hospital with hip fracture—lying in bed, experiencing pain—is challenging. We investigated the value of a quick and easy-to-administer 10-point Cognitive Screener (10-CS) in predicting 1-year functional recovery and survival after hip surgery.

Methods

Prospective cohort study comprising 304 older patients (mean age = 80.3 ± 9.1 years; women = 72%) with hip fracture consecutively admitted to a specialized academic medical center that supports secondary hospitals in Sao Paulo Metropolitan Area, Brazil. The 10-CS, a 2-minute bedside tool including temporal orientation, verbal fluency, and three-word recall, classified patients as having normal cognition, possible cognitive impairment, or probable cognitive impairment on admission. Outcomes were time-to-recovery activities of daily living (ADLs; Katz index) and mobility (New Mobility Score), and survival during 1-year after hip surgery. Hazard models, considering death as a competing risk, were used to associate the 10-CS categories with outcomes after adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical measures.

Results

On admission, 144 (47%) patients had probable cognitive impairment. Compared to those cognitively normal, patients with probable cognitive impairment presented less postsurgical recovery of ADLs (77% vs 40%; adjusted sub-hazard ratio [HR] = 0.44; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.32–0.62) and mobility (50% vs 30%; adjusted sub-HR = 0.52; 95% CI = 0.34–0.79), and higher risk of death (15% vs 40%; adjusted HR = 2.08; 95% CI = 1.03–4.20) over 1-year follow-up.

Conclusions

The 10-CS is a strong predictor of functional recovery and survival after hip fracture repair. Cognitive assessment using quick and easy-to-administer screening tools like 10-CS can help clinicians make better decisions and offer tailored care for older patients admitted with hip fracture.
Advances in mouse genetics for the study of human disease
Authors: Brown Steve D M
Published: June 2021

The mouse is the pre-eminent model organism for studies of mammalian gene function and has provided an extraordinarily rich range of insights into basic genetic mechanisms and biological systems. Over several decades, the characterization of mouse mutants has illuminated the relationship between gene and phenotype, providing transformational insights into the genetic bases of disease. However, if we are to deliver the promise of genomic and precision medicine, we must develop a comprehensive catalogue of mammalian gene function that uncovers the dark genome and elucidates pleiotropy. Advances in large-scale mouse mutagenesis programmes allied to high-throughput mouse phenomics are now addressing this challenge and systematically revealing novel gene function and multi-morbidities. Alongside the development of these pan-genomic mutational resources, mouse genetics is employing a range of diversity resources to delineate gene–gene and gene–environment interactions and to explore genetic context. Critically, mouse genetics is a powerful tool for assessing the functional impact of human genetic variation and determining the causal relationship between variant and disease. Together these approaches provide unique opportunities to dissect in vivo mechanisms and systems to understand pathophysiology and disease. Moreover, the provision and utility of mouse models of disease has flourished and engages cumulatively at numerous points across the translational spectrum from basic mechanistic studies to pre-clinical studies, target discovery and therapeutic development.
Population genomics of the Eastern Rock Lobster,Sagmariasus verreauxi, during spawning stock recovery from over-exploitation
Authors: Woodings Laura N , Murphy Nicholas P , Liggins Geoffrey W , Miller Marcus E , Ballinger Giles M , Lau Sally C Y , Strugnell Jan M
Published: June 2021

Fisheries are currently under pressure to provide increasing amounts of seafood, causing a growing number of marine stocks to be harvested at unsustainable levels. To ensure marine resources remain sustainable, careful management of biological stocks and their genetic integrity is required. The Eastern Rock Lobster, Sagmariasus verreauxi, is commercially harvested along the New South Wales (NSW) coast of eastern Australia and is managed as a single unit. Due to overfishing, the NSW S. verreauxi stock was severely depleted in the mid-1990s but has since been rebuilding. This study evaluates the population genetic structure, putative local adaptation, and potential of a population bottleneck for NSW S. verreauxi. Using neutral single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), we determined NSW S. verreauxi consist of a single genetic stock, with outlier SNPs detecting weak genetic divergence among offshore locations, and evidence of population bottlenecks at all locations. Our findings (i) confirm a single management unit is appropriate; (ii) can be used as a baseline for future genetic monitoring of NSW S. verreauxi; and (iii) highlights the importance of implementing routine genetic monitoring and collecting temporal samples to understand the full impact of overfishing on a species resilience.