bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strong response of microbial carbon use efficiency to nitrogen deposition in deep soil of two tropical forests, southern China
Authors: Jiang Yamin , Su Tianyan , Wang Huafeng , Yang Qiu , Lu Jingli , Fu Qunyou , Mao Han , Xu Wenxian , Luo Yiqi , Liu Wenjie , Yang Huai , Fang Mengyang
Published: September 2023

Background and Aims: Soil microbial carbon use efficiency (CUE) directly impacts the carbon balance between the atmosphere and soil. Atmospheric N deposition may alter soil microbial CUE due to the effect of nitrogen availability on microbial metabolism. However, how N deposition affects the forest ecosystem soil microbial CUE is still not clear.
Methods: This study examined the responses of microbial CUE to short-term N addition treatments in the top (0–10 cm) and deep (60–80 cm) soils from two tropical forests in Hainan, southern China. Additionally, a meta-analysis was conducted to reveal a global pattern of forest soil microbial CUE response to N deposition.
Results: Forest topsoil microbial CUE did not significantly respond to N addition at the global scale and in Hainan. However, microbial CUE increased by 25% (on average) in the deep soil layers with N addition. The increased bacterial abundance and growth rate with N addition partially explained the higher soil microbial CUE of deep soil. We also found that when microbes were N-limited, high soil organic carbon content resulted in low microbial CUE, while the secretion of more N-cycling enzymes promoted microbial CUE. On a global scale, significant decreases in pH and microbial biomass carbon would result in topsoil microbial CUE reduction with N deposition.
Conclusion: Deep soil could store more C with a higher CUE under N deposition in the N-limited tropical forest. Soil microbial nutrients limitation should take into consideration in predicting the feedback of soil C stock to global N deposition.
A nanocrystalline ZSM–5 aggregate having a hierarchical architecture for the catalytic cracking of waste cooking oil
Authors: Liu Haoyu , Zhang Guoliang , Yuan Hong
Published: September 2023

A series of hierarchical ZSM–5 nanocrystalline aggregates (HNZ–5) was synthesized using a hydrothermal method with tetrapropylammonium hydroxide as a structural guide. The morphologies and structures of these materials were characterized by X–ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, N2–Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area analysis and assessment of pore size distribution. HNZ–5 specimens having different Si/Al molar ratios all showed suitable hierarchical architectures and the maximum surface area was found to be 329 m2/g. Temperature–programmed desorption with NH3 indicated that the total acidity of this material increased with increases in the Al3+ content to a maximum of 0.47 mmol/g at a Si/Al ratio of 15. In addition, 27Al magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectra showed that the acid sites were associated with tetrahedral and octahedral Al sites. This HNZ–5 was applied to the catalytic cracking of a model waste cooking oil compound and gave a light olefins yield as high as 43.9% at 550°C. Extending the reaction time to 6000 min provided a yield of light olefins in excess of 30%. These data confirm that the hierarchical pore structure of this HNZ–5 resulting from the self–assembly of nanocrystals, together with exposed acidic sites, promoted the catalytic conversion of large molecules.
The use of the Voice trainer app for vocal control in people with a degenerative ataxia: a pilot intervention study.
Authors: Knuijt Simone , Nonnekes Jorik , de Warrenburg Bart van , Nijkamp Marthè , Scholten Saskia , de Swart Bert , Kalf Hanneke
Published: September 2023

Background
Dysarthria is disabling in persons with degenerative ataxia. There is limited evidence for speech therapy interventions. In this pilot study, we used the Voice trainer app, which was originally developed for patients with Parkinson’s disease, as a feedback tool for vocal control. We hypothesized that patients with ataxic dysarthria would benefit from the Voice trainer app to better control their loudness and pitch, resulting in a lower speaking rate and better intelligibility.
Methods
This intervention study consisted of 5 therapy sessions of 30 minutes within 3 weeks using the principles of the Pitch Limiting Voice Treatment. Patients received real time visual feedback on loudness and pitch during the exercises. Besides, they were encouraged to practice at home or to use the Voice trainer in daily life. We used observer-rated and patient-rated outcome measures. The primary outcome measure was intelligibility, as measured by the Dutch sentence intelligibility test.
Results
Twenty-one out of 25 included patients with degenerative ataxia completed the therapy. We found no statistical significant improvements in intelligibility (p = .56). However, after the intervention patients were speaking slower (p = .03) and the pause durations were longer (p <.001). The patients were satisfied about using the app.
Discussion
At group level we found no evidence for an effect of the Voice trainer app on intelligibility in degenerative ataxia. Because of the heterogeneity of ataxic dysarthria, a more tailor made rather than generic intervention seems warranted.
Determination of properties of concrete in its fresh stage for classified Quartzite rocks in Aravalli ranges
Authors: Hassan Owais Ul , Kaushik Pooja , Afsar S Shakil , Mehmood Gauhar
Published: September 2023

One of the most notable types of rock in the entire Aravalli range is the Quartzite, which is found in Delhi, used as the primary aggregate material for the majority of concrete production. However, three different types, Greyish, Reddish, and Yellowish Quartzite have been identified and categorized as separate kinds of Quartzite based on their colour composition. To investigate how these different Quartzites influenced the characteristics of fresh concrete-bleeding, workability and segregation and thereby influence the compressive strength, the concrete was produced in three distinct grades: M10, M15, and M20, and the compressive strength of the cubes cast was tested while curing for 7, 14, and 28 days. The greyish reacted the same way as the granite does however due to the effects of the weathering the reddish and the yellowish lost its workability, bleeding and segregated and thereby lost strength. Also due to the presence of the chemically active ferrous materials violated its non-active reaction and became chemically active, which disturbed the workability of the concrete. Further, experiments were carried out in the fresh state for bleeding and workability it was noted that the grey Quartzite aggregate did not affect the w/c ratio and retained the standard strength. However, bleeding and segregation were observed as a result of the reddish Quartzite and yellowish Quartzite disrupting the w/c ratio. Overall, it was discovered that greyish Quartzite could be used as a trustworthy coarse aggregate and that all of the aforementioned concrete grades were able to meet the necessary compressive strength. While in reddish and yellowish Quartzite concrete, workability and w/c ratio disturbances had an impact on the strength characteristics.
The Decision to Postpone Retirement Across the Peak-Earnings Distribution: Evidence from Canada
Authors: Stutely James Maxwell
Published: September 2023

Canada’s public pension system yields varying financial incentives to postpone employment exit across the peak earnings distribution. Using a panel of income tax filers and a duration model, I examine the extent to which employment exit hazards differentially spike at the standard age-65 threshold for retirement benefit eligibility across deciles based on workers’ peak earnings distribution. Results indicate that disincentives to continue working after crossing this threshold are associated with marked employment exit hazard spikes among those in the bottom deciles who are mostly likely to receive low-income support Guaranteed Income Supplement benefits. In addition to financial incentives from the public pension system, estimates from a cohort difference-in-differences estimator and a heterogeneity analysis suggest that among those in the middle to upper deciles societal norms for retirement timing and expected private registered pension plan eligibility are also likely candidates for explaining age-65 employment exit spikes.
Mechanism of fermented Astragalus membranaceus regulating chicken EVs to up-3 regulate the expression of interferon and interleukin
Authors: Xu Guowei , Yang Mingxing , Wang Xuezhi , Liang Chao , Han Songwei , Chen Fubin , Wang Lei , Zhou Yuxia , Ru Yi , Sun Yan , Li Jianxi , Zhang Jingyan
Published: September 2023

Astragalus membranaceus has been found to have a significant regulatory effect on the20 expression of interferon and interleukin, especially after microbial fermentation.21 However, the exact mechanism by which Astragalus membranaceus regulates these22 immune response pathways is still unknown. Recent studies have shown that23 extracellular vesicles (EVs) regulate various immune response pathways through24 bioactive substances mediated by EVs. In this study, it was found that the number of25 EVs in the peripheral blood of chicken fed fermented Astragalus membranaceus was26 significantly altered, and that EVs had a significant promoting effect on the expression27 of IFN-α, IFN-β, and IL-2 in chicken macrophages. The results of differential miRNA28 analysis in EVs showed that miRNA-1388a, which was significantly up-regulated in29 EVs, and an important miRNA that promoted the expression of IFN-α, IFN-β and IL30 2. Comparative analysis of miRNA target genes and mRNA expression profiles in31 peripheral blood of chicken fed FA showed that target genes regulated by miRNA-32 1338a were highly consistent with mRNA expression profiles in peripheral blood of33 chicken. This study shows for the first time that fermented Astragalus membranaceus34 involved in the expression of interferon and interleukin by regulating EVs and their35 mediated miRNA in chicken.
CsWRKY33: A Crucial Transcription Factor in the MAPK Pathway Inhibited by Trypsin, Participating in the Suppression of Cucumis sativus Senescence
Authors: Sun Jiaju , wang Jie , Chen Enyan , Chen XinXin , Li Bairu , Li Xin , Pang Xinyue
Published: September 2023

Background
The Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) cascade pathway extensively participates in the physiological regulation processes of plants. Trypsin, as an inducer of resistance, significantly enhanced the storage quality of Cucumis sativus (C. sativus). However, the mechanism by which trypsin regulated the synthesis of phenylpropanoid compounds through the MAPK pathway to influence fruit resistance remained to be elucidated.
Methods
To investigate the molecular mechanism underlying trypsin-induced C. sativus resistance, we conducted a combined transcriptomic and widely targeted metabolomic analysis, validated through Virus-Induced Gene Silencing (VIGS).
Results
Transcriptomic results revealed that a total of 83 differentially expressed genes (DEGs)were enriched in the MAPK pathway, with 48 genes significantly downregulated and 35 genes significantly upregulated. GSEA analysis further identified the WRKY33 transcription factor from the leading edge subset. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that CsWRKY33 shared high homology with WRKY22 in Arabidopsis. The combined analysis of transcriptomics and widely targeted metabolomics demonstrated significant upregulation in the synthesis of compounds such as vanillin, dihydrocharcone-4'-O-glucoside, and 2-hydroxy-3-phenylpropanoic acid. Co-expression network analysis showed that these key metabolites were negatively regulated by CsWRKY33. VIGS results showed that silencing CsWRKY33 enhanced fruit resistance and extended storage time.
Conclusion
This study revealed that trypsin could downregulate the expression of CsWRKY33 and promote the synthesis of compounds with high antioxidant and antibacterial activity, such as vanillin, dihydrocharcone-4'-O-glucoside, and 2-hydroxy-3-phenylpropanoic acid. This enhancement led to increasing fruit disease resistance and delayed senescence and decay.
Clinico-pathological Characteristic of Orbito-naso-cranial Communicating Lesions
Authors: Chen Jin , You Yayan , Xie Meng , Su Zixuan , Wang Xinghua , Jiang Fagang
Published: September 2023

Objective: This study aims to comprehensively analyze of orbito-naso-cranial communicating lesions to elucidate clinical manifestations, pathological classification, and specific lesion sites. The findings will enhance the diagnosis and preoperative evaluation of orbito-naso-cranial communicating lesions.
Methods: The 74 patients were classified into three groups based on the involved locations: Group A (orbito-nasal), group B (orbitocranial), and group C (orbito-naso-cranial). The clinical characteristics, pathological classification, and variations in the involved sites among these three groups were subjected to statistical analysis.
Results: Among the enrolled patients, 49 and 25 had benign and malignant lesions, respectively. Among benign lesions, neurogenic tumors (17 cases) constituted the largest proportion. Among malignant lesions, hematogenous (seven cases) and glandular (seven cases) tumors constituted the largest proportion. In the three groups, the malignant ratio in group C (55.6%, 10/18) was significantly higher than that in groups A (7.2%, 5/29) and B (37.0%, 10/27). The ethmoid sinus (35 cases) was the most prevalent site, including 24 benign and 11 malignant cases. Furthermore, there was greater invasion in the nasal cavity (28.0% vs. 0.0%, P=0.000) and anterior cranial fossa (40.0% vs. 8.2%, P=0.003) in malignant lesions than in benign lesions.
Conclusions: There is a higher incidence of orbito-nasal communication and infiltration of the nose and anterior cranial fossa in malignant tumors compared to benign lesions.
Level of Evidence: Level 4
Experimental investigation on the effect of nickel-plating thickness on continuous-wave laser welding of copper and steel tab joints for battery manufacturing
Authors: Francioso Michele , Angeloni Caterina , Fortunato Alessandro , Liverani Erica , Ascari Alessandro
Published: September 2023

The welding of dissimilar materials, such as copper and steel, holds significantindustrial significance in the production of electric vehicle batteries. These materials are commonly used in the case of connections between busbars and cylindricalcells inside a battery pack. To optimize welding and guarantee protection againstcorrosion, nickel is commonly used in the form of a coating. In this paper, theeffect of nickel plating thickness on copper-to-steel welds made with laser technology is investigated. The initial phase consists of a statistical characterizationof the nickel plating thickness of the busbar in order to identify the thicknessranges. Experiments were conducted using two different fiber laser sources (asingle-mode laser source and a beam-shaping laser source) equipped with a Galvoscanner head; the fluence value and the thickness of nickel plating varied duringthe experiments. The study conducted has revealed that the thickness of nickelplating plays a crucial role in the weld bead interface, particularly when using asingle-mode source. Furthermore, when using the beam-shaping laser source, thefluence employed can have a significant impact on both the depth of penetrationand the interface width.
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for medically inoperable stages I and II non-small cell lung cancer. Influence of radiation dose and histological type
Authors: Pinto Pedro Jorge Joffily , Oliveira Maiara Lima , Starling Maria Thereza Mansur , Gil Erlon , Moraes Paulo Lázaro , Zanuncio Pedro Henrique Rocha , Fagundes Lívia Alvarenga , Ferrigno Robson
Published: September 2023

Purpose
Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is the standard treatment for early stages medically inoperable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This retrospective series aims to report results and predictive factors for outcomes in the treatment of these patients with SBRT.
Materials/methods
Retrospective analysis of 113 consecutive patients with medically inoperable NSCLC stages IA – IIA (T1a-T2bN0M0) by AJCC 8th edition criteria treated from July 2013 to October 2021 with SBRT. Histological subtype was adenocarcinoma in 78 (69%) patients, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in 31 (28%) and 3 (3%) had no biopsy. Ninety (80%) patients were treated with 48Gy in 4 fractions [Biologic Effective Dose (BED) of 105.6Gy10] and 23 (20%) with 40Gy in 4 fractions (BED=80Gy10) delivered twice a week. Local recurrence free survival (LRFS), disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated by Kaplan-Meier method. Radiation dose, histological subtype, patients age and tumor size were factors analyzed for outcomes.
Results
With a median follow up of 31 months, the 3-year LRFS, DFS and OS were 81%, 76%, and 62%, respectively. Patients treated with 48Gy had superior 3-year LRFS (86% Vs 62%; p=0.048) and a trend toward superior 3-year OS (66% Vs 47%, p=0.09). Patients with adenocarcinoma had superior 3-year OS than those with SCC (67%% Vs 4%; p=0.03). Tumor size and patients age were not predictive factors for outcomes. RTOG grades 1 and 2 pneumonitis occurred in 46 (41%) and 5 (4%) patients, respectively. Two (2%) patients developed thoracic pain and five (5%) patients developed rib fracture.
Conclusions
Radiation dose with BED larger than 100Gy10 is more effective for local control than lower level in the treatment of early stages NSCLC. Patients with SCC had lower OS compared with those with adenocarcinoma.
Size-Based Microparticle Separation via Inertial Lift and Dean Flow in a Spiral Microchannel Device
Authors: Bagi Mahsa , Etemadi Nima , Meekins Ben , Moraveji Mostafa Keshavarz
Published: September 2023

The need for size-based microparticle separation has become increasingly critical in various biomedical and environmental applications. This paper presents a novel passive microfluidic device, featuring a spiral microchannel geometry, specifically designed for the complete separation of particles. By leveraging the inertial lift force and the viscous drag acting on particles of varied sizes, the device enables the differential migration and effective separation of microparticles. On the smaller particles, the Dean drag force dominates the inertial lift force and pushes the small particle to the outer wall of the channel. The separation process was simulated using Comsol’s particle tracing module, where numerical investigations were conducted to analyze the impact of micro-channel height, inlet velocity, and radius of curvature on the device’s separation performance. The results led us to a 500 µm wide and 115 µm high 1-loop spiral channel which demonstrated the successful separation of 1.5 µm particles from 7.5 µm and 15 µm particles at the maximum channel velocity of 0.75 m/s. Additionally, analytical analysis supporting the experiments and simulations is provided. The device was fabricated using PDMS soft lithography, and Cu/ZnO micro particles were employed in the experiments. Notably, the experimental results demonstrated an impressive separation efficiency of 93%.
A prospective case control study on evaluation of oxidative stress in renal stone formers
Authors: Manoharan Vignesh , Sharma Gopal , Devana Sudheer Kumar , Kumar Santosh , Singh Shrawan Kumar , Sharma Sadhna , Avti Pramod
Published: September 2023

Objective: To compare oxidative stress (OS) between patients with renal stone disease and healthy volunteers by measuring 8-hydroxy- 2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels in urine.
Methods: In this prospective case-control study, we measured 24-hour urinary 8-OHdG levels in patients with urolithiasis and compared them with matched healthy controls. We also measured 24-hour urinary uric acid, calcium, oxalate and citrate levels in patients with renal stone disease and studied their relation with urinary 8-OHdG levels.
Results: In this study, 75 cases of renal stone disease and 75 well-matched controls were included. Median 24-hour urinary 8-OHdG levels were significantly higher in cases compared to controls (7.6vs. 3.7µg/g of creatinine; p<0.000). Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis for 8-OHdG between cases and controls revealed an area under the curve of 0.90. At 8-OHdG (µg/g of creatinine) value of 5 or more, sensitivity and specificity of 84% each were obtained. A positive correlation between 8-OHdG (µg/g of creatinine) and 24-hour urinary oxalate level was noted (r=0.461, p=0.000). No correlation between 8-OHdG (µg/g of creatinine) and other variables was noted. On multivariate linear regression analysis, we noted 24-hour urinary oxalate levels to be an independent predictor of urinary 8-OHdG levels.
Conclusion: Oxidative stress is significantly higher in patients with renal stone diseases compared to healthy controls. Urinary oxalate levels were significantly correlated with urinary 8-OHdG levels.
Does Financial Development influence Environmental Quality? Evidence from Emerging and Developing Countries
Authors: Elatroush Ibrahim
Published: September 2023

The paper aims to investigate the impact of financial development (FD), and other control variables on environmental quality. The sample incorporates fifty emerging and developing countries from 1980 to 2020. The pooled mean group/auto regressive distributed lag (PMG/ARDL) technique is used to estimate variables. Prior estimate the model, unit roots and cross section dependence tests are performed. Subsequently, second generation unit root CIPS tests for constant and trend are run for the study variables. Countries are classified into groups to determine the impact of FD, and other variables on environmental quality denoted by CO2 emissions. Dumitrescu Hurlin causality test is also performed. Results reveal a positively significant relationship between variables, and CO2 for some grouping countries in which they contribute to environmental degradation. However, there is a negatively significant relationship between study variables and CO2 for other grouping countries which involves a positive impact on enhancing environmental quality. The reasoning behind contradictory results within different groups in the study may be attributed to variability in FD levels, income levels, and other socioeconomic factors. To improve environmental quality, policymakers, authorities, and financial bodies have to focus on FD indicators that enhance environmental quality via environmentally friendly products, motivating environmentally friendly projects, eliminating polluted activities, increasing the usage of renewable energy and eliminating nonrenewable energy usage.
Estimation for the Weibull Extension Model Parameters based on Runge-Kutta Method
Authors: Maswadah M.
Published: September 2023

In parameter estimation techniques, the maximum likelihood estimation method is the most common technique that is broadly used in social science and psychology, despite the fact that it is usually biased when the sample sizes are small or the data are heavily censored. Thus, the main objective of this paper is to introduce a numerical iteration technique, which is the Runge-Kutta method for finding the parameter estimators. This method has been applied for deriving the estimators for the Weibull extension model parameters and compared with the maximum likelihood and Bayes methods via Monte Carlo simulations. The results are strongly favorable to the Runge-Kutta method, which provides better estimates and outperforms the Bayes and maximum likelihood methods. Finally, numerical examples are given to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed methods.
Modification of Radiogenic Heat Production (RHP) Equation due to Radioactive Disequilibrium in Rock Samples from Gamma-Ray Spectrometry
Authors: Alabi Olusegun , Sedara Samuel , Ajah Deborah , Akanni Iwa
Published: September 2023

Many factors complicate the estimation of radiogenic heat production (RHP) which may lead to radionuclide concentrations which does not characterize the RHP being produced by rocks. One of this is the Uranium disequilibrium effect. We modified an existing model to minimize this effect.
A revised data from gamma-ray spectrometry was used to compute the Beta and Alpha energies (Eβmax) of decay schemes, mass defect (EΔm)of radioelements, total absorbed energy (Eabs) per atom, numerical constants (Ai) and converted to the accepted RHP unit (µWm-3).
The modified RHP model (A3) was evaluated and validated using error metrics and radiometric data from seven regions of Nigeria and India. The data was normalized to transform features to be on a similar scale to attain a normal distribution of the data. The modified model (A3) was compared with Birch’s (A1) and Rybach’s (A2) RHP models. All these processes were implemented in Python environment.
The RHP constants is several percent higher (6.2% for U; 11.5% for Th) than the values of A1 and A2 RHP models except for Potassium which is higher (74.3%). The A3 RHP model gotten is: A(µWm-3) = ρ(0.103CU + 0.29CTh + 0.061CK). The contributing percentages of the radioelements were in the order of 40K > 238U > 232Th for the Southwest, Southeast and Northcentral regions of Nigeria while the order is 238U > 232Th > 40K for the Southsouth, Northeast and Northwest regions and in order 232Th > 238U > 40K for the Indian region. The A3 model returned a higher R2 value and lower SSE/RMSE/MAE values compared to A1 and A2 models. The R2 values ranged from 42–72% while RMSE ranged from 0.790–1.127. The A3 has the best performance in all metrics for all the regions. The coefficient of determination (R2) for the proportion of variance of the contribution of the radioelements placed K-40 as most dependent variable with a good correlation with the total RHP in the order of use of A1 < A2 < A3.
In general A3 return the highest RHP values across all regions. The A3 RHP model gave a higher R2 value and lower RMSE, MAE, SSE values than A1 and A3 RHP models which is an indicator of best performance. The A3 RHP model performed well in all the regions in Nigeria and outside Nigeria. This shows that the A3 RHP model is not geological-formation dependent.
Tuberculosis treatment success rate, associated factors and outcomes in St.Kizito Hospital, Matany, Napak district, Karamoja region. A retrospective study.
Authors: Opito Ronald , Kwenya Keneth , Kizito Mark , Alwedo Susan , Bakashaba Baker , Miya Yunus , Bukenya Lameck , Okwir Eddy , Onega Lillian Angwech , Kazibwe Andrew , Othieno Emmanuel , Kirya Fred , Ssentongo Saadick Mugerwa , Olupot Peter Olupot
Published: September 2023

Background
Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent globally. An estimated 10 million people are newly diagnosed and 1.5 million die of the disease annually. Uganda is among the 30 high TB burdened countries, with Karamoja having a significant contribution of the disease incidence in the country. Control of the disease in Karamoja is complex because a majority of the at risk population remain mobile; partly because of the normadic lifestyle. This study, therefore, aimed at describing the factors associated with TB treatment success rate (TSR) in the Karamoja region.
Methods
This was a retrospective study on case notes of all individuals diagnosed with and treated for drug-susceptible TB at St. Kizito Hospital Matany, Napak district, Karamoja from 1st Jan 2020 to 31st December 2021. Data were abstracted using a customised proforma. Data analyses were done using Stata statistical software, version 15.0. Chi square test was used to compare treatment success rate between year 2020 and 2021, while Modified Poisson regression analysis was performed at multivariable level to determine the factors associated with treatment success.
Results
We studied records of 1234 participants whose median age was 31 (IQR: 13–49) years. Children below 15 years of age accounted for 26.2% (n = 323). The overall treatment success rate for the study period was 79.3%(95%CI; 77.0%-81.5%), with a statistically significant variation in 2020 and 2021, 75.4% (422/560) vs 82.4% (557/674) respectively, (P = 0.002). The commonest repported treatment outcome was treatment completion at 52%(n = 647) and death was at 10.4% (n = 129). Older age, undernutrition (Red MUAC) and HIV positive status were significantly associated with lower treatment success: aPR = 0.87(95%CI; 0.80–0.94), aPR = 0.91 (95%CI; 0.85–0.98) and aPR = 0.88 (95%CI; 0.78–0.98); respectively. Patients who were enrolled in 2021 had high prevalence of treatment success compared to those enrolled in 2020, aPR = 1.09 (95%CI; 1.03–1.16).
Conclusion
TB TSR in Matany hospital was suboptimal. Older age, poor nutrition and being HIV positive were negative predictors of treatment success. We propose integrating nutrition and HIV care into TB programming to improve treatment success.
Chain ether-based electrolyte enables long-term continuous ammonia electrosynthesis
Authors: Li Shaofeng , Zhou Yuanyuan , Fu Xianbiao , Pedersen Jakob Bruun , Saccoccio Mattia , Andersen Suzanne Zamany , Enemark-Rasmussen Kasper , Xu Aoni , Sažinas Rokas , Mygind Jon Bjarke Valbæk , Deissler Niklas H. , Kibsgaard Jakob , Vesborg Peter Christian Kjærgaard , Nørskov Jens Kehlet , Chorkendorff Ib
Published: September 2023

Ammonia is essential to the fertilizer and chemical industries and is seen as a carbon-free fuel1. The ammonia electrosynthesis from nitrogen under ambient conditions is an attractive alternative to the centralized Haber-Bosch process2,3. The lithium-mediated nitrogen reduction (Li-NRR) has been demonstrated as a promising approach for continuous-flow ammonia electrosynthesis, where nitrogen reduction is coupled with hydrogen oxidation4. This provides a genuine pathway for converting nitrogen and hydrogen into ammonia, but the long-term ammonia production is impeded by the polymerization and volatility of ring ether-based solvent, tetrahydrofuran (THF, with a boiling point of 66 °C), in a continuous-flow electrolyzer. Here we show that a chain ether-based electrolyte enables long-term continuous ammonia synthesis. We find that a chain ether-based solvent offers not only non-polymerization properties and high boiling point (162 °C) but also the formation of a compact solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer on the gas diffusion electrode (GDE), facilitating the release of produced ammonia in the gas phase and ensuring long-term stability of the electrolyte. We demonstrate 300 hours continuous operation in a flow electrolyzer at 1 bar and room temperature, and achieve a current-to-ammonia efficiency of 64% (repeated twice) with unprecedented gas phase ammonia of ~98%. Our work highlights the crucial role of the solvent in long-term continuous ammonia synthesis, and these findings will guide the development of a durable and efficient process for sustainable ammonia production.
Ein Gefühl für die Daten entwickeln
Authors: Vepřek Libuše Hannah
Published: September 2023

Die Bewältigung und Analyse großer digitaler Textdaten, wie digitaler Chat- oder Social Mediadaten, stellt Ethnograf:innen noch immer vor Herausforderungen. Trotz zahlreicher Entwicklungen in den Digital Humanities und Computational Social Sciences stehen qualitative, induktive und subjektzentrierte Ansätze zum Umgang mit großen Textdaten bislang weniger im Fokus methodischer Lösungsansätze. Am Beispiel digitaler Chatdaten stellt dieser Beitrag ein Vorgehen vor, das große Textdaten strukturiert und analysiert, und ordnet dieses Vorgehen in den ethnografischen Forschungsprozess ein. Das Vorgehen greift auf Relationale Datenbanken und SQL als Datenbankabfragesprache zurück, um Chatdaten verwalten, umstrukturieren und befragen zu können, sodass diese für die qualitative Analyse handhabbar werden. Der Einbezug von Chatdaten ermöglicht nicht nur neue Erkenntnisse. Vielmehr ermöglicht das Vorgehen Ethnograf:innen gerade zu Forschungsbeginn, ein Gefühl für die Daten zu entwickeln und Nähe zum Feld herzustellen. Der Text diskutiert Möglichkeiten und Grenzen sowohl des Vorgehens als auch der Analyse schriftlicher Chatdaten im ethnografischen Forschungsprozess.
Ethnografisches Feldnotieren in digitalen Feldern
Authors: Eckhardt Dennis
Published: September 2023

Dieser Artikel bearbeitet die Frage, inwiefern digitale Felder mit Feldnotizen untersucht werden können. Zunächst stelle ich vor, was Feldnotizen sind und Ethnograf:innen damit tun. Digitale Felder, die als digital, digitalisiert und digitalisierend ausdifferenziert werden, haben eigene Anforderungen an die ethnografische Arbeitspraxis. Ich zeige, wie in den ethnologischen Fächern Feldnotizen konzipiert werden und wie schon sehr früh kreativ mit digitalen Techniken gearbeitet wurde. In der Verbindung der Ansätze zeige ich auf, wie wichtig die Stilistik als memory work zu verstehen ist und Strategien gefunden und definiert werden müssen, welche Feldnotiz-Praktiken zu welchen Feldern und eigenen Fähigkeiten passen. Ich definiere daher das Feldnotieren als eine interdisziplinäre Wissens- und Arbeitspraxis, an der sich die verschiedenen Konzepte und Diskussionen bündeln lassen. Um die Klein(teil)igkeiten dieser Praxis aufzuzeigen, verbinde ich die Konzepte als feldnotierende Arbeit und feldnotiertes Wissen mit Daten und Praktiken aus meiner eigenen Forschung zu Plattform, E-Commerce und Cybersecurity.
Digitale Anthropologie neu denken
Authors: Boellstorff Tom
Published: September 2023

Obwohl sie einst buchstäblich undenkbar und im günstigsten Fall ein Widerspruch in sich war, ist die „Digitale Anthropologie“ heute auf bestem Wege, eine vollwertige Teildisziplin zu werden — neben Formationen wie die der Rechtsanthropologie, der Medizinanthropologie und der Wirtschaftsanthropologie oder den Anthropologien der Migration, des Geschlechts und der Umwelt. Inzwischen gibt es Lehrveranstaltungen im Grund- und Aufbaustudium (ja sogar ganze Studiengänge), die mit der Ausbildung eines Kanons einhergehen, wenngleich ein Kanon, der im engen Dialog mit den Kommunikations- und Medienwissenschaften, der Soziologie sowie anderen Disziplinen entsteht. Dieser Zeitpunkt sollte uns gelegen kommen, um die Inhalte und Entfaltungsmöglichkeiten einer Digitalen Anthropologie neu zu denken.
Dieser Text erschien ursprünglich als Rethinking Digital Anthropology im Sammelband Digital Anthropology, 2. Auflage, herausgegeben von Haidy Geismar und Hannah Knox (2021) bei Routledge. Wir danken Tom Boellstorff und dem Verlag für die freundliche Genehmigung der Übersetzung und Veröffentlichung in den KA Notizen 85. Timo Roßmann danken wir für die sorgfältige Übersetzung.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Offer of Dental Care in the Public Service of a Brazilian Medium-Sized County
Authors: Ramirez Iago , Pereira Alessandro Aparecido , Ferreira Eric Batista
Published: September 2023

Objective: This study sought to assess the reduction in the offer of dental care by the public service, during the COVID-19 pandemic, in the municipality of Alfenas/MG. Method: Consultation of public data by DATASUS according to a historical series (2015 to 2019) and the pandemic period (2020 to June 2021), which were tabulated and integrated. Descriptive statistics were obtained and application of the Shapiro-Wilk and Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney statistical tests with 5% significance (p<0.05) were performed. Results: Through two comparisons (historical series and pandemic period; and only 2019 and the pandemic period), there was a significant reduction of procedures offered. Restorative procedures and collective and preventive ones were the most affected with increase in invasive and/or mutilating procedures. It was also noticed a decrease in preventive procedures since 2019 and collective since 2017. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the offer and type of dental care offered by the public health system in Alfenas/MG.
Väyrysen ja Kääriäisen korkean profiilin aika 1981‒1991. Keskustan historia 6
Authors: Katajisto Kati
Published: September 2023

The era (1981‒1991) of the high-profile politics of Väyrynen and Kääriäinen: The Centre Party of Finland 6 The Centre Party of Finland was represented in almost all cabinets for decades, and it often held the post of prime minister during the reign of President Urho Kekkonen. When Kekkonen’s deteriorating health forced him to resign in 1981, the Centre Party, formerly the Agrarian Union, was in front of the crisis. The party was deeply divided along the lines of who would be the best candidate to succeed Kekkonen. The schism had prevailed for years, and contemporaries suspected the party would split up or at least lose its dominant position in Finnish politics. Besides, the numbers of core supporters making up the party, agrarians, were constantly diminishing. In addition, the Finnish party system was in a state of flux. The Finnish People’s Democratic League was in a deep downward spiral, while the Conservative Party’s support was ascendant. The power struggle between the three ‘big’ parties, the Centre Party, the Social Democratic Party and the Conservative Party, was fierce. The study describes and analyses how the Center Party survived the challenges it faced. How was the cohesion of the party rebuilt and maintained? How did the Centre Party manage to survive the inter-party contests and end up being the strongest party in the elections of 1991? The study is firmly based on source material from the party organization of the Centre Party and other relevant political actors, such as President Mauno Koivisto. The book provides new information on both Finnish domestic and foreign politics and the power struggles among the parties and leading political figures.
Fluctuation based interpretable analysis scheme for quantum many-body snapshots
Authors: Schlömer Henning , Bohrdt Annabelle
Published: September 2023

Microscopically understanding and classifying phases of matter is at the heart of strongly-correlated quantum physics. With quantum simulations, genuine projective measurements (snapshots) of the many-body state can be taken, which include the full information of correlations in the system. The rise of deep neural networks has made it possible to routinely solve abstract processing and classification tasks of large datasets, which can act as a guiding hand for quantum data analysis. However, though proven to be successful in differentiating between different phases of matter, conventional neural networks mostly lack interpretability on a physical footing. Here, we combine confusion learning [Nat. Phys. 13, 435 (2017)] with correlation convolutional neural networks [Nat. Commun. 12, 3905 (2021)], which yields fully interpretable phase detection in terms of correlation functions. In particular, we study thermodynamic properties of the 2D Heisenberg model, whereby the trained network is shown to pick up qualitative changes in the snapshots above and below a characteristic temperature where magnetic correlations become significantly long-range. We identify the full counting statistics of nearest neighbor spin correlations as the most important quantity for the decision process of the neural network, which go beyond averages of local observables. With access to the fluctuations of second-order correlations — which indirectly include contributions from higher order, long-range correlations — the network is able to detect changes of the specific heat and spin susceptibility, the latter being in analogy to magnetic properties of the pseudogap phase in high-temperature superconductors [Phys. Rev. Lett. 62, 957 (1989)]. By combining the confusion learning scheme with transformer neural networks, our work opens new directions in interpretable quantum image processing being sensible to long-range order.
The impact of environmental disclosure on value relevance: Moderating role of environmental performance
Authors: Saleh Altarawneh Mohammad
Published: September 2023

Existing research lacks to adequately examine how environmental performance moderates the influence of environmental disclosure on value relevance. This study pursues to investigate the direct influence of environmental disclosures on value relevance, measured by the fair value of common equity. Moreover, it tests how environmental performance moderates the influence of environmental disclosures on value relevance.Data were gathered from the annual reports of Jordanian industrial firms listed on the Amman Stock Exchange from 2018 to 2021. The study employed the Ohlson model to assess the value relevance. Furthermore, both earnings and the book value of equity were included as other independent variables, as required by the model.This study found that environmental disclosures positively impact the value relevance of industrial firms listed on the Amman Stock Exchange. Moreover, such disclosures positively influence the value relevance of industrial firms with greater environmental performance. Earnings and the book value of equity also positively influence the value relevance. The results were similar to those obtained by conducting panel regression after controlling for both the industry and year effects.It is therefore recommended that directors exploit environmental disclosures to increase the value relevance of the firm. At the same time, they should consider environmental disclosures as an essential component to integrate into future strategies. Hence, firm managers should consistently evaluate the environmental and financial performance, followed by developing well-designed strategies to increase the environmental performance and reliability of environmental disclosure due to their positive role in enhancing value relevance.
PARATHYROIDECTOMY IN PATIENTS WITH HYPERPARATHYROIDISM
Authors:   Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic, University Clinical Center Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ramas Almedina , Uscuplic Sabrina ,   Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic, University Clinical Center Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kasumovic Merima ,   Plastic and Maxillofacial Clinic, University Clinical Center Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Salkic Almir ,   Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic, University Clinical Center Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Umihanic Sekib ,   Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic, University Clinical Center Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Altumbabic Hasan ,   Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic, University Clinical Center Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Published: September 2023

Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze all the factors (disease symptoms, sinthigraphic findings, biochemical parameters) that occur in patients with hyperparathyroidism, and since hyperparathyroidism itself is a common endocrine disorder. Methods: We analyzed 79 patients with primary, secondary, and tertiary hyperparathyroidism, who underwent surgery. We analyzed mean of age, male: female ratio, representation of different forms of hyperparathyroidism. In our study, we examined the indications for examination and surgery, as well as the most common symptoms and comorbidities. For localization PTG, scintigraphy was performed by a nuclear medicine specialist (at the Clinic of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine) preoperatively. Preoperative values of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were determined in all patients, and the same values were measured postoperatively. We also analyzed correlation of dialysis length and parathyroid gland hyperplasia in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism. Results: In our study mean of years was 51.13 ± 11.83 and most of the respondents were female. The most common operation was subtotal parathyroidectomy. The most common indication for examination of parathyroid glands (PTG) was renal failure. The most common comorbidity was arterial hypertension, which was found in 43 (53.2%) subjects, and the rarest gastrointestinal diseases and pancreatitis, in 1 (1.3%) patients. Scintigraphy showed an equal representation of enlarged lower parathyroid glands (both right and left). The mean values determined preoperatively for PTH were 796.24 pg/ml, Ca 2.58 mmol / l and P 1.35 mmol / l. The mean postoperative values for PTH were 222.33 pg/ml, Ca 2.06 mmol/l and P 1.17 mmol/l. We also showed that was a large correlation between dialysis length and hyperplasia. Conclusion: Hyperparathyroidism is a common endocrine disease, carrying potential complications of many organic systems. In most cases, regardless of the form (primary, secondary, or tertiary), it ultimately requires surgical treatment. For this reason, the clinical picture must be well known, the necessary preoperative diagnostic methods (which are complex), all with the aim of better effect of treatment of such patients.
THE IMPACT OF ANXIOUS AND NON-ANXIOUS PARENTS ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF CHILDREN
Authors:   University for Business and Technology UBT, Pristina, Kosovo, Bilalli Mirlinde , Bilalli Emire ,   Medical Faculty Skopje, University “Ss Cyril and Methodius”, North Macedonia, Iseini Valdet ,   University Dental Clinical Centre “St. Pantelejmon”, Faculty of Dentistry, University “Ss. Cyril and Methodius”, Skopje, North Macedonia
Published: September 2023

Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive and persistent anxiety or fear and are associated with a range of behavioral disturbances. Most parents experience anxiety from time to time, parenting anxiety can affect the quality of their life or their child’s life. The regulation of emotions and behavior is crucial to the healthy early development of children, where they interact with the environment to adjust emotions, cope with frustrations and stress. Parents who are depressed and out of tune with their child’s needs and emotions leave the child unsupported, left to manage their own anger, sadness, and fear, and are left to their own immature repertoire of behaviors. To make a comparative analysis of the impact of anxiety on the mental health of children of anxious and non-anxious parents.A cross-sectional transfer analytic study was conducted. 300 students were analyzed, in the territory of Gostivar, as well as their parents. “Psychometric properties of the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders” (SCARED) - child version was used to examine anxiety in children, and it measures it in 4 domains (panic, separation anxiety, generalized anxiety and school phobia).A statistically significant difference was confirmed in the distribution of students without anxiety, with possible anxiety disorder, and with anxiety disorder, between parents with and without anxiety (p<0.0001). Anxious parents more often than parents who did not manifest anxiety have children with a possible anxiety disorder and with a convincing result for anxiety disorderconsequently. Anxious parents significantly more often than parents without anxiety had children with panic disorder.Regardless of children’s specific symptoms, anxiety can have a negative effect on their thoughts, emotions, and physical health.Anxiety runs in families, with recent analysis showing that children of anxious parents are twice as likely to have anxiety problems than children of nonanxious parents. The results of the research showed a significant impact of parents’ anxiety on children’s health.
Emprendimiento in situ desde la educación superior en la región de Urabá
Authors: Quintero-Arango Luis Fernando , Aranzazu-Henao Sasha Juliana
Published: September 2023

Este manuscrito presenta el proceso y resultado de una investigación que busca identificar cómo se articula el emprendimiento con las funciones sustantivas en las Instituciones de Educación Superior en la región de Urabá (Antioquia). El enfoque utilizado para su desarrollo es del orden cualitativo, con dos métodos de análisis: fenomenología y hermenéutica. Así mismo, se utiliza la entrevista semiestructurada como técnica de recolección de información. Los participantes son seis instituciones de educación superior de la región de Urabá. Los resultados determinan que, dentro de las tres funciones sustantivas, investigación, docencia y extensión, se debe considerar el emprendimiento como un eje transversal entre ellas. Se concluye que el emprendimiento es una oportunidad para generar transformación e impacto del orden social, económico y académico en la región. Se recomienda fortalecer aspectos vinculantes entre el emprendimiento y las funciones sustantivas básicas de la educación superior que permitan visibilizar las nuevas unidades productivas que se crean en la región del Urabá antioqueño.