bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Ionic Liquid [emim][OAc] on the Set Recovery Behavior of Densified Wood
Authors: Zhang Shiying , Meinhard Halvar , Collins Steven , Lourencon Tainise V. , Rautkari Lauri
Published: March 2024

Wood modification techniques, like densification, can improve the mechanical performance of low-density and undervalued wood species, rendering them suitable for high-value engineering applications. Nevertheless, densified wood (DW) commonly manifests a set recovery (SR) phenomenon when exposed to water, negating the enhancements achieved through densification. Our method addresses the SR issue and the non-recyclability associated with conventionally produced DW using chemical techniques in wood densification. To mitigate SR in DW, an ionic liquid (IL) 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate was impregnated as a cellulose plasticizing agent prior to wood densification. This method facilitated permanent deformation within the cellulose network, resulting in negligible SR. Moreover, the DW treated with IL (DW_1w) demonstrated an increase in both modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity after water washing and subsequent redrying, in comparison to the untreated control (UC). Notably, spectroscopic (FTIR) analyses indicated that the chemical structure of DW_1w remained akin to that of UC. Additionally, the IL leached out during the DW-water washing step showed potential for recovery. This research contributes to advancing sustainable alternatives for less ecologically friendly (chemical) pretreatment methods to reduce SR related issues in DW.
Coalescence of soil microbial communities: consequences, mechanisms, and influential factors
Authors: Chen Danhong , Wang Zelin , Chen Meiping , Liu Kaifang , Liu Dong , Cui Xiaoyong , Xu Zhihong , Xue Kai , Wang Yanfen , Che Rongxiao
Published: March 2024

Background: Community coalescence is a major manner of microbial dispersal and a fundamental process of microbial community assembly, yet little is known about its ecological effects, mechanisms, and influential factors. Here, a series of microcosmic experiments including soil mixing, sterilization, as well as microbial extraction and inoculation, were performed to address the knowledge gaps.
Results: We found that most physicochemical and microbial properties of the coalesced soils exhibited intermediate characteristics compared to the original soils. Weighted species additive effect emerged as the primary driver for soil microbial community coalescence, with contributions reaching 58.44% (prokaryotes) and 51.57% (fungi). In contrast, the contributions from environmental selection were only less than 20%. Upon the removal of soil particle barrier effects, the contributions of abiotic and biotic environmental selection to soil microbial community coalescence increased to 34.60% and 23.76%, respectively. However, their interactions substantially offset the main effects of abiotic and biotic environmental selection. Original soil differences, mixing ratios, and priority effects were critical factors affecting the consequences of soil microbial community coalescence. Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying microbial community coalescence were similar under different mixing ratios.
Conclusions: Our findings underscore the predictability of soil microbial community coalescence, providing critical insights into comprehending microbial community assembly mechanisms.
Trimodal Therapy for T3 Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer：a retrospective case series study
Authors: Chen Yatong , Luo Fei , Li Jian , Zhang Tingji
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND: Bladder sparing therapy not only preserves bladder function and improves quality of life for patients, but also achieves survival rates similar to radical cystectomy.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapy of T3 muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) by transurethral photo-selective vaporization of bladder tumors (PVBT) combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and to accumulate evidence for further research.
METHODS: This a retrospective case series study. The T3 bladder cancer patients received PVBT combined with preoperative neoadjuvant radiotherapy and postoperative adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy were selected from January 2018 to December 2020. The tumor changes after neoadjuvant radiotherapy, adverse reactions of chemo-radiotherapy, and the incidence of complications were followed up by outpatient and telephone. The expression of CK20, FGFR3, PLEKHG4B, CK6, and Desmin was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the factors affecting the recurrence and survival of bladder cancer were statistically analyzed.
RESULTS: A total of 48 patients completed PVBT were included. The maximum diameter of the tumor was 0 ~ 6.0 cm after neoadjuvant radiotherapy, with an average of 2.1 cm, which was smaller than that pre-radiotherapy (P< 0.05). The number of tumors decreased by 11 cases (47.83%), the clinical stage of tumors decreased by 13 cases (27.08%) and 42 cases (87.50%) had varying degrees of radiation or chemotherapy toxicity. During the follow-up period, 22 patients (45.83%) experienced recurrence, and 10 patients died of distant organ metastasis or cachexia. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that tumor diversity and FGFR3 gene affect the recurrence of bladder tumor, while age and tumor diameter affect the survival rate of bladder tumors.
CONCLUSIONS: This study is the small-scale case series study ofT3 bladder cancer patients received PVBT combined with preoperative neoadjuvant radiotherapy and postoperative adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy, which is an effective method to treat T3 MIBC. Meanwhile, monitoring FGFR3 in patients with MIBC is very important for evaluating prognosis.
Are comparable studies really comparable? Suggestions from a problem-solving experiment on urban and rural great tits
Authors: Vincze Ernő , Kačergytė Ineta , Mussoi Juliane Gaviraghi , Urhan Utku , Brodin Anders
Published: March 2024

Performance in tests of various cognitive abilities has often been compared, both within and between species. In intraspecific comparisons, habitat effects on cognition has been a popular topic, frequently with an underlying assumption that urban animals should perform better than their rural conspecifics. In this study, we tested problem-solving ability in great tits Parus major, in a string-pulling and a plug-opening test. Our aim was to compare performance between urban and rural great tits, and to compare their performance with previously published problem solving studies. Our great tits perfomed better in string-pulling than their conspecifics in previous studies (solving success: 54%), and better than their close relative, the mountain chickadee Poecile gambeli, in the plug-opening test (solving success: 70%). Solving latency became shorter over four repeated sessions, indicating learning abilities. However, the solving ability did not differ between habitat types in either test, and showed only a weak among-individual correlation between the two tests. Somewhat unexpectedly, we found marked differences between study years even though we tried to keep conditions identical. These were probably due to small changes to the experimental protocol between years, for example the unavoidable changes of observers and changes in the size and material of test devices. This has an important implication: if small changes in an otherwise identical set-up can have strong effects, meaningful comparisons of cognitive performance between different labs must be extremely hard. In a wider perspective this highlights the replicability problem often present in animal behaviour studies.
The Gross-Pitaevskii equation for a infinite square-well with a delta-functionbarrier
Authors: Ragan Robert J. , Sakhel Asaad R. , Mullin William J.
Published: March 2024

The Gross-Pitaevskii equation is solved by analytic methods for anexternal double-well potential that is an infinite square well plusa δ-function central barrier. We find solutions that havethe symmetry of the non-interacting Hamiltonian as well as asymmetricsolutions that bifurcate from the symmetric solutions for attractive interactions and from the antisymmetric solutions for repulsive interactions. We presenta variational approximation to the asymmetric state as well as anapproximate numerical approach. Stability of the states is briefly considered.
Challenges of Principal Component Analysis in High-Dimensional Settings when n<p
Authors: Weeraratne Nuwan , Hunt Lyn , Kurz Jason
Published: March 2024

Principal Component Analysis (PCA) aims to reduce the dimensions of datasets by transforming them into uncorrelated Principal Components (PCs), retaining most of the data’s variation with fewer components. However, standard PCA struggles in high-dimensional settings where there are more variables than observations due to limitations in covariance estimation. PCA relies on covariance matrices to measure variable relationships, using eigenvectors to determine data distribution directions and assessing eigenvalues’ significance. This article examines the pros and cons of estimating high-dimensional covariance matrices and emphasizes the importance of well-conditioned covariance estimation for accurate finite sample PCA. Various methods are available for estimating population covariance, among which Ledoit-Wolf estimation is deemed optimal in scenarios where the number of observations is smaller than the number of variables. However, it tends to excessively shrink the sample covariates matrix, resulting in an underestimation of the true eigen spectrum and a dearth of sparsity. Therefore, there’s a need for sparse and well-conditioned covariance matrix estimation to enhance PC estimation accuracy.
Modeling Dynamic Pressure Loss by Absorption in Oleo-Pneumatic Shock Absorbers without Separator
Authors: Willich Felix , Holzapfel Florian , Vrabec Jadran
Published: March 2024

A model for the dynamic pressure loss in standard oleo-pneumatic shock absorbers without gas-oil separator for avionics applications is introduced. The dynamics of such a device under load variations is primarily determined by the throttle between the oil chamber and the gas chamber. During operation, gas is absorbed by the oil upon compression and desorbed upon expansion, which are processes that extend over time and entail hysteresis. It is found that the assumption of isothermal conditions is sufficient. An excellent alignment is achieved by the model and the measured hysteresis across diverse drop test scenarios, adjusting a single parameter to a value that is physically reasonable. The standard deviation of the error in pressure is σp = 0.49 bar. Moreover, the model rests on thermodynamic considerations and experimental gas solubility data, while it is consistent with other laboratory data from the literature.
From rock collapse to slide movement: a case study of the 2004 Zuojiaying Landslide
Authors: Bilal Muhammad , Xu Xueyong , Zhang Haoshan , Xing Aiguo , Zhou Ye , Zhuang Yu , He Junyi
Published: March 2024

The mining process instigates the development of subsurface goaf, resulting in surface deformation and subsidence. The deformation and failure characteristics of the landslides in mining regions present a challenge to the detection and analysis of the initiation and progression mechanisms. There has been a significant focus on comprehending the complex nature and destruction associated with such geohazards, which are becoming more common and typical in the southwestern region of China. The present study showcases a compelling example of the 2004 Zuojiaying landslide in Guizhou, China, where rainfall and long-term mining activity triggered a rock collapse that transformed into a sliding event, causing 44 fatalities. A thorough field and aerial survey are conducted for the rock collapse-transformed sliding mass, further supplemented with a dynamic modeling approach to simulate the runout, entrainment, and accumulation processes of the landslide. Our work presents a comprehensive analysis and discussion of the geological condition, potential triggers, collapse mechanism, erosion characteristics, and the 3D runout evolution of the Zuojiaying landslide. Furthermore, the present study explores the significant influence of entrainment and erosion on landslide volume, mobility, and deposition, particularly in the transition from rock collapse to sliding. We have identified and outlined the stages of runout progression and landslide transformation by analyzing the entrainment over the entire runout. This study aims to highlight the significance of developing a thorough understanding of such landslide hazards in areas with comparable geological characteristics to improve geohazard management.
Association of Speckle Tracking Echocardiography with Acute Cellular Rejection in Cardiac Transplant Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Frye Jesse , Tao Michael , Dhaliwal Simrat , Raven Matthew , Price Jordan , Tam Edlira , Goldschmidt Marc , Mann Noelle , Kort Smadar
Published: March 2024

Background: Myocardial strain imaging by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) has demonstrated prognostic utility in several disease states. However, the association of strain measurements with acute cellular rejection (ACR) after cardiac transplantation is not well established. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the association of myocardial strain measurements with acute cellular rejection in cardiac transplant patients.
Methods: A literature search was conducted using Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science for studies reporting on the association of left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal (GLS), radial (GRS), and circumferential (GCS) strain in cardiac transplant patients with and without acute cellular rejection. Subgroup analysis was performed by ISHLT standardized ACR grading to compare grade 1R versus Grade 2R and higher.
Results: A total of 21 studies with 2502 transplant patients (1465 without ACR versus 1037 with ACR) were included. Patients with ACR had significantly lower GLS compared to patients without ACR on biopsy (MD 2.84, 95% CI 1.5-4.18; p<0.01). Patients with ACR grade ≥2R had significantly lower GLS compared to patients with ACR grade 1R (MD 2.36, 95% CI 1.49-3.23; p<0.01). Patients with ACR had a significantly lower GCS compared to patients without ACR and GCS was significantly lower in patients with ACR grade ≥2R compared to patients with ACR grade 1R (MD 2.29, 95% CI 1.08, 3.51; MD 2.83, 95% CI 0.08-5.59; p=0.04).
Conclusions: Left ventricular GLS and GCS may represent useful markers to identify cardiac transplant patients with ACR.
Effect of Accelerated Extraction and Sonication on the Antioxidant Capacity of Wood and Bark Extracts of Wet-hearted Silver Fir (Abies Alba Mill.)
Authors: Vek Viljem , Hofmann Tamás , Rajczi Eszter Visiné , Osolnik Urša , Poljanšek Ida , Oven Primož
Published: March 2024

The aim of this study was to compare the antioxidant capacity of hydrophilic extracts of different tissues of wet-hearted silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) logs. Wet heart is a wood defect of silver fir and lowers the value of wood. The exploitation of extractives could increase utilization and financial returns. The bark, sapwood, heartwood and knotwood were investigated by using two green extraction methods: ultrasound assisted extraction (US) and accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), with aqueous ethanol as solvent. Total extractive content (TEC), total polyphenol content (TPC) and antioxidant capacities (FRAP, DPPH, ABTS) from the extracts were determined and compared. The highest contents of total hydrophilic extractives were measured in knotwood (23.07%, ASE) and bark (10.31%, ASE), and the lowest values were determined for sapwood (2.00%, ASE) and heartwood (3.56%, ASE). The ASE method resulted in significantly higher TPC (0.65-10.58 %) than the US (0.46-9.19 %) method. Nevertheless, the simplicity of instrumentation and costs can make US also a potential candidate for future extraction and utilization. The highest antioxidant capacities were measured in knotwood (FRAP: 159.75 mg AAE/g, ABTS: 316.15 mg TE/g, DPPH: 189.23 mg TE/g) and bark (FRAP: 159.75 mg AAE/g, ABTS: 126.81 mg TE/g, DPPH: 74.52 mg TE/ g) extracts, prepared with ASE, which complements well the existing literature data on silver fir extractives. The knotwood and bark of wet-hearted silver fir is an abundant source of antioxidant polyphenols, whereas sapwood and heartwood are poor in these extractives, making them unlikely candidates for future extractions of natural antioxidants.
Entomological Survey of Sibling Species in the Anopheles funestus Group in Tanzania Confirms the Role of Anopheles parensis as a Secondary Malaria Vector
Authors: Mapua Salum A. , Samb Badara , Nambunga Ismail H. , Mkandawile Gustav , Bwanaly Hamis , Kaindoa Emmanuel W. , Odero Joel , Paliga John , Kahamba Najat , Hape Emmanuel , Govella Nicodem J. , Okumu Fredros O. , Tripet Frederic
Published: March 2024

Background: Malaria transmission in Tanzania is driven by mosquitoes of the Anopheles gambiae complex and Anopheles funestusgroup. The latter includes An. funestus s.s., an anthropophilic vector, which is now strongly resistant to public health insecticides, and several sibling species, which remain largely understudied despite their potential as secondary vectors. This paper provides the initial results of a cross-country study of the species composition, distribution, and malaria transmission potential of members of the Anopheles funestusgroup in Tanzania.
Methods: Mosquitoes were collected inside homes in 12 regions across Tanzania between 2018 and 2022 using CDC light traps and Prokopack aspirators. PCR assays targeting the non-coding internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) and 18S ribosomal DNA (18S rDNA) were used to identify sibling species in the An. funestus group and presence of Plasmodium infections respectively. Where DNA fragments failed to amplify during PCR, we sequenced the ITS2 region to identify any polymorphisms .
Findings: The following sibling species of the An. funestus group were found across Tanzania: An. funestus s.s. (50.3%), An. parensis (11.4%), An. rivulorum (1.1%), An. leesoni (0.3%). Sequencing of the ITS2 region in the non-amplified samples showed that polymorphisms at the priming sites of standard species-specific primers obstructed PCR amplification, although the ITS2 sequences closely matched those of An. funestus s.s., barring these polymorphisms. Of the 914 samples tested for Plasmodium infections, 11 An. funestus s.s (1.2%), and 2 An. parensis (0.2%) individuals were confirmed positive for P. falciparum. The highest malaria transmission intensities (entomological inoculation rate (EIR)) contributed by the Funestus group were in the north-western region (108.3 infectious bites/person/year (ib/p/y)) and the south-eastern region(72.2 ib/p/y).
Conclusion: Whereas An. funestus s.s. is the dominant malaria vector in Funestus group in Tanzania, this survey confirms the occurrence of Plasmodium-infected An. parensis, an observation previously made in at least two other occasions in the country. The findings indicate the need to better understand the ecology and vectorial capacity of this and other secondary malaria vectors in the region so as to improve malaria control.
RNA Splicing Junction Landscape Reveals Abundant Tumor-Specific Transcripts in Human Cancer
Authors: Li Qin , Li Ziteng , Chen Bing , Zhao Jingjing , Yu Hongwu , Hu Jia , Lai Hongyan , Zhang Hena , Li Yan , Meng Zhiqiang , Hu Zhixiang , Huang Shenglin
Published: March 2024

RNA splicing is a critical process governing gene expression and transcriptomic diversity. Despite its importance, a detailed examination of transcript variation at the splicing junction level remains scarce. Here, we perform a thorough analysis of RNA splicing junctions in 34,775 samples across multiple sample types. We identified 29,051 tumor-specific transcripts (TSTs) in pan-cancer, with a majority of these TSTs being unannotated. Our findings show that TSTs are positively correlate with tumor stemness and linked to unfavorable outcomes in cancer patients. Additionally, TSTs display mutual exclusivity with somatic mutations and are overrepresented in transposable element-derived transcripts possessing oncogenic functions. Importantly, TSTs can generate neoepitopes that bind to MHC class I molecules for immunotherapy. Moreover, TSTs can be detected in blood extracellular vesicles from cancer patients. Our results shed light on the intricacies of RNA splicing and offer promising avenues for cancer diagnosis and therapy.
How Working Hours Affect Household Consumption Patterns?
Authors: Jia Nan , Liao Piaoxue
Published: March 2024

The popularity of the mobile Internet and third-party payments has made online consumption an important alternative to offline consumption, which may have an impact on the equilibrium conditions of the classical consumption-leisure model. This paper introduces two different consumption patterns, online and offline, into the classical consumption-leisure model, and theoretically deduces the relationship between working hours and total consumption and consumption patterns, and empirically tests the impact of working hours on total consumption, consumption patterns and consumption structure using micro data from the China Household Finance Survey. This paper finds that long household working hours have a negative impact on total household consumption for households headed by middle-aged, and change the household consumption patterns and increase the share of household online consumption in total household consumption. This result persists after the introduction of the 2.5-day weekly holiday system as an exogenous shock for identification and extensive robustness checks, mainly because for households the utility elasticity of leisure time is greater than that of offline consumption. Also, long household working hours change the household consumption structure, which is detrimental to household service-related consumption. This paper helps to understand time use and the trade-offs that Chinese households make between labor supply and consumption, and provides a reference for decision-making on public policies to comprehensively promote consumption and to optimize the consumption structure.
JEL：D12 E21 J22
Power supply rationing in an era of e-learning: evidence from the rural university
Authors: Mbaleki Chuma , Elegbeleye Femi Abiodun , Esan Omobayo Ayokunle , Rabotapi Tshepo
Published: March 2024

In a world, driven by technology, South Africa's battle with power supply rationing, commonly known as load shedding, is sending shockwaves through the education landscape. This study investigates the intricate relationship between load shedding and e-learning, focusing on a rural university in South Africa. It explores how the disruption of the power supply affects the quest for digital education and sheds light on the hidden challenges, faced by both students and lecturers. The energy crisis loomed large, posing a unique threat to the country's academic advancement. This study was carried out at Walter Sisulu University, meticulously dissects the impacts of load shedding on e-learning, providing valuable insights into how these unforeseen challenges are altering the educational landscape. The research blends quantitative data analysis with a qualitative perspective, capturing the real-life experiences of educators and learners navigating a world where power supply can change the course of a digital classroom.

The research elucidated the dominance of e-learning during lockdown regulations to curb the spread of coronavirus and a hybrid learning pedagogy that combines both e-learning and physical classes in the post-covid era. The research revealed that e-learning is significantly affected by Loadshedding.
Pre-emergence herbicides effects in no-till soybean system with Panicum maximum ‘BRS Tamani’
Authors: Silva Mateus Matos da , Almeida Edmilson Igor Bernardo , Sousa Andreza Maciel de , Ponte Islana Silva , Ribeiro Bruna da Silva Brito , Sousa Daniel Lobo de , de Sousa Andressa Carvalho , Silva Sousa Washington da , Oliveira Leonardo Bernardes Taverny de , Costa Souza Jarlyson Brunno
Published: March 2024

The use of pre-emergence herbicides is an important strategy in resistant-weeds management, but its performance can be affected in no-till systems. This study aimed to analyse weed control from pre-emergence herbicides in no-till soybean system with Panicum maximum cv. BRS Tamani. The experiment was conducted in randomized block design with eight treatments and five repetitions. The treatments consisted in no-treatment, S-metolachlor + imazethapyr (1,200.00 g a.i. ha-1 + 100.00 g a.e. ha-1, respectively), S-metolachlor + fomesafen (1,035.66 g a.i. ha-1 + 227.70 g a.e. ha-1, respectively), S-metolachlor + diclosulam (1.200.00 g a.i. ha-1 + 29.40 g a.i. ha-1), imazethapyr + diclosulam (100.00 g a.e. ha-1 + 29.40 g a.i. ha-1), imazethapyr + flumioxazin (100.00 g a.e. ha-1 + 50.00 g a.i. ha-1), pyroxasulfone + flumioxazin (90.00 g a.i. ha-1 + 60.00 g a.i. ha-1) and pendimethalin (1,137.50 g a.i. ha-1). We evaluated weed phytosociological rates, weed control, and soybean growth. We identified 23 weed species distributed in 22 genera and 15 botanical families, majority of eudicotyledonous botanical class (78.2%), annual life cycle (56.5%), and sexual reproduction (100%). The integrated weed management, between herbicides and straw, was effective in herbicide-resistant weed control, except Euphorbia heterophylla. The treatments recommended included S-metolachlor combinations with fomesafen, imazethapyr, diclosulam, and also, pyroxasulfone + flumioxazin. The Panicum maximum cv. BRS Tamani straw was estimated in 11 t ha-1 and influenced negatively herbicides lipophilics and with slower movement, such as pendmethalin
Factors affecting organizational citizenship behavior of budget hotel employees in Indonesia: Examining the mediating role of work engagement and affective commitment
Authors: Jufrizen  , Farisi Salman , Saripuddin Hasibuan Jasman , Gunawan Ade
Published: March 2024

Organizational citizenship behavior pertains to the voluntary actions undertaken by individuals inside an organization to enhance its overall efficacy, especially in the absence of express acknowledgment from the formal incentive system. This study aims to investigate the role of work engagement and affective commitment in mediating the effect of perceived organizational support on organizational citizenship behavior. This quantitative design uses survey methodologies by sending questionnaires to frontline staff in budget hotels in Medan, Indonesia. The sample includes 225 frontline employees with at least a year of experience working in budget hotels in Medan, Indonesia. Data were collected through a Likert scale questionnaire and analyzed using SEM-PLS processed with SmartPLS 4.0 software. The findings suggest a significant relationship between perceived organizational support, work engagement, affective commitment, and organizational citizenship behavior (p < 0.05). In addition, the influence of perceived organizational support on work engagement and affective commitment is noteworthy (p < 0.05). Organizational citizenship behavior is affected by perceived organizational support through work engagement (p < 0.05) and affective commitment (p < 0.05). The results have significant ramifications for organizations. Organizations should establish frameworks that foster employee engagement and dedication. In addition, organizations should actively promote and incentivize employees to dedicate their time, exertion, and innovative thoughts for the betterment of their colleagues and the organization.
Failure analysis of gas turbine in first stage turbine blades in an urban power plant
Authors: Hassan Mohamed K. , Sindi Waheeb M. , Mohamed Ahmed , Backar Ahmed H.
Published: March 2024

The Combined Cycle Power Plants (CCPP) are widely known as the most efficient power plants. The concept of CCPP represented in Brayton and Rankin cycles combined to achieve the highest efficiency in power generation. During the fact finding, while performing the major outage, at 77,521 running hours some of the turbine blades at 1st stage found suffering from severe damages and sulfuric acid thick layer accumulated in the cooling airfoils. The blades were new, also known as the most essential and costly component installed after Hot Gas Path Inspection (HGPI) at 42,000 running hours. The main objective of this work is to study the surrounding parameters that directly affect the lifetime of the turbine blades. Furthermore, XRD analysis for new and used turbine blades are studied as well as the EDS analysis for the coating layers which are used to enhance the surface life of gas turbine blades. Corrective maintenance, on the other hand, has been undertaken to overcome the performance deterioration caused by wear, which is the result of any machine or plant’s operation. A gas turbine cannot be run reliably unless wear reserves are checked and, if necessary, restored during inspections and maintenance operations. These are performed to determine the machine's condition and the necessary condition-based repairs. The principal types of gas turbine inspection have been investigated and presented, including minor inspection, hot gas inspection, extended-scope hot gas path examination, and major inspection. Lifetime extension (LTE) measures are derived from these inspection types and go beyond the scope of a major inspection. Nondestructive testing is performed on the gas turbine’s key components. Furthermore, due to the high degree of contamination in the fuel, the turbine section must be cleaned at regular intervals. As a result of the examinations, replacement, and refurbishment intervals for important components, as well as outage time, could be recommended.
Zwyczajni niezwyczajni. Codzienność superbohaterów w komiksach spod znaku Ultimate Marvel
Authors: Wolski Michał
Published: March 2024

Typically Atypical: The Everyday Life of Ultimate Marvel Comic Superheroes
Depictions of food consumption in comic books are quite numerous but they rarely stick in the minds of readers, especially when they serve as the background for the unfolding story. If the authors, however, decide to depict food, they do so in large part to achieve a few specific purposes: emphasize the characteristics of the characters, deconstruct the seriousness of the narrative, and introduce humorous elements. All of this takes place on two levels: aesthetic (from realistic to cartoonish) and existential (eating is one of the most ordinary day-to-day activities). The article aims to show the various possibilities of using representations of food consumption and discuss their meaning using selected examples.
Od adaptacji do edukacji, czyli plakaty filmowe w praktyce szkolnej
Authors: Byczek Dominika
Published: March 2024

From Adaptation to Education: The Educational Potential of Film Posters
The aim of this article is to present various possibilities for using film posters in Polish language classes during discussions of school readings. The author begins by explaining the reason for choosing this topic, which she sees primarily in the fact that, according to her own observations and research, students do not encounter the analysis of film posters in school, nor do they have a desire to respond to the demands of other researchers in the field of Polish language teaching. The text also presents a division into two types of movie posters - a photographic poster, which is a fragment of a movie frame, and an artistic poster, which is an author's creation of an artist. In the article, the author presents different possibilities for using film posters in educational practice. The proposals concern both photographic posters and artistic posters and are addressed to primary and secondary school students. The article focuses on the analysis and interpretation of colors on posters (with a focus on warm/cool colors, color palette, the meaning of colors, types of colors, their intensity, saturation, and contrast), the elements included on them (characters, their attributes, and other details), typography (with a focus not so much on the content of the text, but on its font, color, and placement), composition (placing poster elements in specific locations), discrepancies (between the content of the poster and the content of the reading), contexts (e.g., historical, socio-cultural, linguistic), emotions and moods (with a focus on students' feelings), as well as the choice itself (the author's choice and students' choice in relation to the elements included on the poster, their arrangement, colors, and all other aspects already indicated - with the possibility of creating their own film poster). In creating the article, the author repeatedly points out that the problem she analyzes constitutes a certain research gap and calls for it to be taken up by other researchers as well.
„Portret jednego człowieka”. Przyczynek do biografii Haliny Rząsowej (1924–1980), zakopiańskiej fotografki
Authors: Chrudzimska-Uhera Katarzyna
Published: March 2024

The Only One Man Portrait: Contribution To the Biography of Halina Rząsa (1924–1980), a Zakopane Photographer
Although Halina Rząsa (1924–1980) was a photographer of considerable reputation in Zakopane, we are able to say next to nothing about her life and work. She is mostly remembered and mentioned as the wife and mother of two famous sculptors: Antoni Rząsa (1919–1980) and Marcin Rząsa (born 1965). The article looks at the history of the Zakopane artistic circles in order to reconstruct in detail the biography of this underappreciated artist. The author uses information and photographic material from a private family archive deposited in the Antoni Rząsa Gallery in Zakopane.
Halina Rząsa moved to Zakopane in the 1950s. Along with her first husband, Janusz Vogel, she worked with landscape and documentary photography, concentrating—among others—on the local artistic life. One of her main subjects was a well-known Zakopane sculptor, Antoni Rząsa. The two soon fell in love, had a son, and got married. Halina Rząsa’s subsequent photography reflected the daily life of her family, region, and the Tatra mountains. Today, it is a perfect source of data for an analysis of Antoni Rząsa’s oeuvre. At the same time, it is essential to understand that Halina Rząsa was a creative and innovative artist in her own right and deserves to be remembered and appreciated as such.
The Role of Long Non-Coding RNAs in the Pathogenesis of Essential
Hypertension
Authors: Azizidoost Shirin , Khojasteh Pour Fatemeh , Najafi Sajad , Ghaedrahmati Farhoodeh , Nazeri Zahra , Dayer Dian , Shabani Zahra , Farzaneh Maryam , Nasrolahi Ava
Published: March 2024

Hypertension, a condition characterized by elevated blood pressure, poses a significant medical risk, particularly in relation to the development of cardiovascular disease. The
pathogenesis of hypertension can be influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental
factors. Recent scientific studies have shed light on the involvement of long-non-coding RNAs
(lncRNAs) in various diseases, including pulmonary arterial and essential hypertension. These
lncRNAs have been found to play crucial roles at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and
post-translational levels. By targeting endothelial cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and
angiogenesis, lncRNAs can induce dysfunction in arterial endothelial cells, contributing to the
progression of hypertension-related pathological events. Therefore, the abnormal expression of
lncRNAs has emerged as a significant factor in the understanding of essential hypertension and
its associated mechanisms. To further our understanding, we conducted a comprehensive review
focusing on unraveling the functional roles of lncRNAs in essential hypertension.
Rapid In Vitro Regeneration and Genetic Fidelity Assessment of Regenerated Plants in Ayapana Triplinervis (Vahl) R.M. King & H. Robinson: An Ethnomedicinal and Ornamental Herb
Authors: Krishna Thumadath Palayullaparambil Ajeesh , Krishnakumar Neenthamadathil Mohandas , Maharajan Theivanayagam , Ceasar Stanislaus Antony
Published: March 2024

Background:

Ayapana triplinervis is a popular ethnomedicinal and ornamental plant species. Due to its high medicinal importance, A. triplinervis was recently documented in the French Pharmacopeia.

Objective:

Rapid and efficient tissue culture protocol development is crucial for the high production and biotechnological applications of this plant.

Methods:

In this study, an efficient tissue culture protocol was developed for plant regeneration using nodal explants of A. triplinervis. The nodal explants were treated in Murashige and Skoog’s (MS) medium supplemented with various individual concentrations of cytokinins (BAP and KIN) and auxins (IAA and IBA). The nodal explant was regenerated in three different steps: (1) initial shoot induction, (2) shoot multiplication and elongation, and (3) rooting.

Results:

The results revealed that all individual concentrations (10, 20, 30, or 40 mg/L) of BAP or KIN responded to induce shoot initiation. The highest shoot multiplication and elongation were achieved in the MS medium with 20 mg/L BAP and 20 mg/L KIN. The regenerated plantlets produced better roots on MS medium containing 1.0 mg/L of each IAA or IBA. The well-established rooted plantlets were maintained in the culture room and greenhouse for better acclimatization and achieved a 100% survival rate. We analyzed the genetic fidelity of in vitro regenerated plants using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. No genetic polymorphisms were observed in vitro plants compared to the mother plants.

Conclusion:

This efficient protocol could benefit future biotechnological applications like mass multiplication, genetic transformation and gene editing for improving the bioactive molecules in A. triplinervis.
Double Layer Sign and Pigment Epithelial Detachment in Patients Treated with Subthreshold Laser for Central Serous Chorioretinopathy
Authors: Enders Christian , Lang Gabriele E. , Mayer Benjamin , Werner Jens Ulrich
Published: March 2024

Background and Objective

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is characterized by serous detachments of the central neurosensory retina. Besides, other alterations of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) of the focal detachment of the RPE can occur. We explored the frequency of RPE detachment and double layer sign in OCT in our patient population, the influence of subthreshold photocoagulation (ST-LP) on these parameters and the possibility of correlations with visual acuity.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent ST-LP based on the diagnosis of CSCR in a German university eye clinic from 2009 to 2014. Measurements in OCT were performed regarding pigment epithelial detachment (PED) and double layer sign (DLS).

Results

54 eyes of 49 patients were included in the study. The frequency of PEDs dropped from 66% of cases at baseline to 50% after 3 months. No significant differences in calculated areas of lift-off volume of PED were identified. The frequency of a DLS was significantly lower 8 weeks after ST-LP compared to baseline (63%, p<0.05), but not after 12 weeks.

Conclusion

We conclude that PEDs and DLS are common in CSCR. In this study, no convincing correlation can be identified between BCVA before ST-LP or at the last visit and different characteristics of PED as well as DLS. While the area of PED becomes smaller after ST-LP, the extent of the DLS seems to increase. Further prospective studies are required, and DLS with respect to the occurrence of CNV should also be given attention.
Effect of Room Service on Patient’s Macronutrient Consumption Level
Authors: Arfiani Eva Putri , Yati Soenarto  , Susetyowati
Published: March 2024

Food service in hospital is aimed at providing high-quality meals and ensuring nutrition intake for patients. However, this aspect of healthcare faces numerous challenges, including high levels of food waste and patient dissatisfaction, often attributed to conventional food delivery practices in hospitals. The consumption of energy and macronutrients, including carbohydrate, protein, and fat, contribute greatly for hospitalized patients. Therefore, this study tried to implement a room service-like method in the food service system. This research was conducted in Class 1 and 2 of the inpatient wards of “Waled” Public Hospital, using a static pre-experimental design with two groups. Each group consisted of 38 patients selected from quota sampling. The control group followed the conventional food service method, while treatment group was given a room service approach. The treatment group was provided with a list of three menu options for each of the nine mealtimes, allowing them to choose their preferred food by sending a short message at the designated meal hour. Ordering times were specified as follows: 05:15 to 07:00 for breakfast, 10:00 to 12:00 for lunch, and 15:00 to 17:00 for dinner. Foods were prepared within 45 minutes after the order was placed. T-test analysis showed a distinct trend in the levels of energy, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats consumption between the control and treatment groups. The correlation between group variables and the level of energy consumption reached 15%, while the correlation between group variables and the level of protein consumption was 14%.
Industry 4.0 Technologies in Maternal Health Care: Bibliometric Analysis and Research Agenda
Authors: Sibanda Khulekani , Ndayizigamiye Patrick , Twinomurinzi Hossana
Published: March 2024

Background

Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies have improved operations in health care facilities by optimizing processes, leading to efficient systems and tools to assist health care personnel and patients.

Objective

This study investigates the current implementation and impact of I4.0 technologies within maternal health care, explicitly focusing on transforming care processes, treatment methods, and automated pregnancy monitoring. Additionally, it conducts a thematic landscape mapping, offering a nuanced understanding of this emerging field. Building on this analysis, a future research agenda is proposed, highlighting critical areas for future investigations.

Methods

A bibliometric analysis of publications retrieved from the Scopus database was conducted to examine how the research into I4.0 technologies in maternal health care evolved from 1985 to 2022. A search strategy was used to screen the eligible publications using the abstract and full-text reading. The most productive and influential journals; authors’, institutions’, and countries’ influence on maternal health care; and current trends and thematic evolution were computed using the Bibliometrix R package (R Core Team).

Results

A total of 1003 unique papers in English were retrieved using the search string, and 136 papers were retained after the inclusion and exclusion criteria were implemented, covering 37 years from 1985 to 2022. The annual growth rate of publications was 9.53%, with 88.9% (n=121) of the publications observed in 2016-2022. In the thematic analysis, 4 clusters were identified—artificial neural networks, data mining, machine learning, and the Internet of Things. Artificial intelligence, deep learning, risk prediction, digital health, telemedicine, wearable devices, mobile health care, and cloud computing remained the dominant research themes in 2016-2022.

Conclusions

This bibliometric analysis reviews the state of the art in the evolution and structure of I4.0 technologies in maternal health care and how they may be used to optimize the operational processes. A conceptual framework with 4 performance factors—risk prediction, hospital care, health record management, and self-care—is suggested for process improvement. a research agenda is also proposed for governance, adoption, infrastructure, privacy, and security.
Emerging Trends of Self-Harm Using Sodium Nitrite in an Online Suicide Community: Observational Study Using Natural Language Processing Analysis
Authors: Das Sudeshna , Walker Drew , Rajwal Swati , Lakamana Sahithi , Sumner Steven A , Mack Karin A , Kaczkowski Wojciech , Sarker Abeed
Published: March 2024

Background

There is growing concern around the use of sodium nitrite (SN) as an emerging means of suicide, particularly among younger people. Given the limited information on the topic from traditional public health surveillance sources, we studied posts made to an online suicide discussion forum, “Sanctioned Suicide,” which is a primary source of information on the use and procurement of SN.

Objective

This study aims to determine the trends in SN purchase and use, as obtained via data mining from subscriber posts on the forum. We also aim to determine the substances and topics commonly co-occurring with SN, as well as the geographical distribution of users and sources of SN.

Methods

We collected all publicly available from the site’s inception in March 2018 to October 2022. Using data-driven methods, including natural language processing and machine learning, we analyzed the trends in SN mentions over time, including the locations of SN consumers and the sources from which SN is procured. We developed a transformer-based source and location classifier to determine the geographical distribution of the sources of SN.

Results

Posts pertaining to SN show a rise in popularity, and there were statistically significant correlations between real-life use of SN and suicidal intent when compared to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (⍴=0.727; P<.001) and the National Poison Data System (⍴=0.866; P=.001). We observed frequent co-mentions of antiemetics, benzodiazepines, and acid regulators with SN. Our proposed machine learning–based source and location classifier can detect potential sources of SN with an accuracy of 72.92% and showed consumption in the United States and elsewhere.

Conclusions

Vital information about SN and other emerging mechanisms of suicide can be obtained from online forums.