bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overview of the pond slider Trachemys scripta (Thunberg in Schoepff, 1792) (Testudines: Emydidae) records in Montenegro
Authors: Iković Vuk , Popović Jelena , Gvozdenović-Nikolić Slađana
Published: July 2024

The Pond Slider is one of the 100 world's most invasive alien species, widely introduced to Europe and all over the world. The number of specimens recorded in nature is increasing in the Balkans, including Montenegro. In this paper, we present literature and new findings of pond sliders in this country. So far, 10 known localities have been identified, most of them in the Mediterranean biogeographical region. Records are from different aquatic ecosystems, including lakes, ponds, rivers and streams. Locality Mrke-Blizna is identified as a potential breeding site, as numerous specimens are present here including hatchlings.
Characterization of Novel Bacterial Strains Associated with EGINA Oil Field Deep-Sea, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Olukunle Oluwatoyin Folake ,   Department of Biotechnology, Federal University of Technology, P. M. B. 704, Akure, Nigeria, Abe A. S. , Fajoyegbe E. , Akinde S. B. , Kolawole A. O. , Falese B. A. ,   Department of Biotechnology, Federal University of Technology, P. M. B. 704, Akure, Nigeria,   INQABA Biotechnology, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria,   Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, Osun State University, Osogbo, Nigeria & Multidisciplinary Research Laboratory, Osun State University, Osogbo, Nigeria,   Department of Biotechnology, Federal University of Technology, P. M. B. 704, Akure, Nigeria,   Department of Biotechnology, Federal University of Technology, P. M. B. 704, Akure, Nigeria
Published: July 2024

The deep-sea environment has rich microbial resources, which are very much underexploited, which are of economic, industrial and medical importance. The aim of this study is to isolate and identify bacterial species from EGINA oil field deep sea, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Sediment and water samples were collected with the aid of carousal, and soil auger, and cultivated on both nutrient agar and Actinomycetes isolation agar. Serial dilution and plate methods were used to determine the total heterotrophic bacterial counts. A total of 170 bacterial strains, showing distinct morphologies, were isolated from both water and sediment samples collected at various location at EGINA off-shore. These strains were then categorized into 49 groups, collectively across all the stations based on standard colony morphological characteristics and were isolated and identified by conventional and molecular methods. The mean heterotrophic bacterial counts (measured in colony-forming units, CFUs per mL) from deep-sea water and sediment samples exhibited the highest values at station EGINA-NS-TOP (200×10-2 CFU/mL), followed by the lowest point EGINA-MINI-MID (5.00×10-4 CFU/mL) for water samples. Likewise, highest bacterial counts 1 1 1were recorded at DC6-W1 (200 ×10-2 CFU/g) and lowest bacterial counts (3.00 ×10-6 CFU/g) for sediment samples. Bacillus strains were the most predominant strain isolated with 66.6% frequency of occurrence, some of the Bacillus strains include Bacillus velezensis OOKAAOFFA-1, Bacillus tequilensis OOKAAOFFA-34, Bacillus subtilis OOKAAOFFA-24, likewise Enterococcus gallinarum OOKAAOFFA-49, Brevibacillus halotolerans OOKAAOFFA-36, Stutzerimonas stutzeri OOKAAOFFA-6, Arthrobacter globiformis strain OOKAAOFFA-33 among others. The closest type relationship was seen with the Bacillus, Brevibacillus and Enterobacter strains with branch support of 100% within a clade which also included Bacillus xiamenensis, Bacillus aerius, Bacillus stratosphericus, Arthrobacter globiformis, Enterobacter bugandensis, Enterobacter mori, Brevibacillus formosus, and Brevibacillus halotolerans strains OOKAAOFFA. The results showed the adaptation of the isolated bacteria in the marine environment. Their potentials can be further exploited.
Sill Propagation And Climbing In Layered Crystalline Host-Rocks: Examples From Saucer-Shaped Sills Of The Faroe Islands
Authors: Hansen Jogvan ,   HansenReSearch, Undir Heygnum 8, FO 100 Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
Published: July 2024

Mafic sills, which commonly occur in layered sedimentary and crystalline settings worldwide, may occur as sub-lateral sheets or as saucer-shaped bodies. Values and distributions of Young’s Modulus within their ambient host-rocks determine their mode of emplacement. Current models on development of saucer-shaped sills depict either melt propagation from single sources along sub-lateral relatively weak layers, from which they abruptly climb/transgress through stronger layers at intervals, or they may evolve by radial melt propagation/intrusion from one or more sources, while gradually/continuously ascending/climbing through strong and weak layers alike. The first model invokes involvement of sill overburdens and overlying free surfaces, while the latter envisages closed igneous systems, where host-rocks both above and below the advancing magmas are affected without involvement of overlying free surfaces. Margins of saucer-shaped sills at various stages of developments, cropping out in the Faroe-Islands, offer some new insights into sill evolvement in layered crystalline host-rocks. This study suggests that the slightly upward-curving geometries of Faroese sills stem from initial radial propagations/intrusions of thin magma fronts, where systematic depth-dependent variations of Young’s Modulus in the Earth’s crust governed gradual and continuous climbing of these. Some of their melts likely propagated initially as lobes or thin magma-fingers in a mole-like fashion before coalescing, without noticeably affecting the overlying free surfaces prior to the main inflation phases.
Methods of Establishment and Crop Geometry on Rice (Oryza Sativa) Productivity Under Drip Irrigation
Authors:   Coastal Saline Research Centre, Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu, Kannan S. Vallal , Ravikumar V. ,   Department of soil and water conservation, Agricultural Engineering College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Sangeetha Jebalin V V ,   Department of Agronomy, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai 625104
Published: July 2024

A study was undertaken between 2020 and 2022 three years during the rabi season at Agricultural Engineering College and Research Institute in Kumulur with an aim to determining the optimal method of establishment, suitable paddy variety, and crop geometry with spacing for maximizing rice productivity in the standardized drip irrigation system. Experiment utilized a strip plot design, with two main establishment methods (direct seeding on raised beds and transplanting on flatbeds), three medium varieties (ADT 54, 'TKM 13', and 'CR 1009 sub-1') as subplot treatments, and three different spacing configurations and crop geometry at 20 x 10 cm (rectangle) conventional recommended spacing, 20 x 20 cm (square), and 25 x 25 cm (square) as sub-sub plot treatments. Plant height, total tillers count, productive tillers count, filled grains per panicle; test weight, grain yield, and straw yield were measured. Furthermore, an economic assessment encompassing cultivation expenses, gross income, net income, and Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) was carried out. Water-use efficiency was calculated by dividing the dry weight of grain yield (in kg/ha) by the total irrigation and rainfall (in ha. mm).Top of Form The findings indicated that direct seeding emerged as the superior method for establishing drip-irrigated rice cultivation. The most suitable combination treatment for achieving the growth and yield factors, highest grain yield (6080 kg/ha), net income (Rs. 64059/ha), benefit-cost ratio of 2.37, and enhanced water use efficiency (6.61 kg.ha-mm-1) involved direct-seeded rice on raised beds using a medium-duration variety with a spacing of 20x20cm with other recommended agronomic practices.This approach aims to improve both crop and water efficiency amid constraints in water availability.
The Incidence of Fungal Infections in Patients Treated with Tocilizumab for Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia Requiring High Care or ICU Admission: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Naidu Kuven ,   East Rand Physicians, 36 Park Street, Benoni, Gauteng, South Africa, 1501, Richards Guy A , Cruickshank Deborah , Wadee Bilaal , Naidu Jayseelan , Kajee Nabeela ,   University of Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, Private Bag 3, Wits, South Africa, 2050,   East Rand Physicians, 36 Park Street, Benoni, Gauteng, South Africa, 1501,   East Rand Physicians, 36 Park Street, Benoni, Gauteng, South Africa, 1501,   East Rand Physicians, 36 Park Street, Benoni, Gauteng, South Africa, 1501,   East Rand Physicians, 36 Park Street, Benoni, Gauteng, South Africa, 1501
Published: July 2024

Background: Critically ill COVID-19 patients often experience immune dysregulation, leading to cytokine release syndrome and an increased susceptibility to nosocomial infections, including invasive fungal infections. Early detection and treatment of fungal infections is paramount due to associated high mortality rates. Tocilizumab, an IL-6 receptor-blocking monoclonal antibody used in treating COVID-19 patients, has shown efficacy in managing the cytokine storm but is linked to a heightened risk of secondary fungal infections. Aims: This study aimed to investigate the association between Tocilizumab use and fungal infections in COVID-19 patients admitted to an ICU in South Africa. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study at a private hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa, from April 2020 to August 2021. Data from 373 COVID-19 patients admitted to high care or ICU were analysed. Patients were categorized based on positive fungal cultures. Demographics, Tocilizumab usage, and relevant factors were collected from electronic databases. Results: Fungal infections were identified in 15.6% of the patients. Tocilizumab use did not significantly correlate with fungal infections (OR: 0.342 [95%CI: 0.115-1.019]; P=0.054). Factors associated with fungal infections included extended hospital stays (OR: 1.098 [95% CI: 1.038-1.163], P=0.050 and elevated D-dimer values (OR:1.20; [95% CI: 1.035-1.390]; P=0.015). Females were less likely to develop a fungal infection (OR:0.224; [95% CI: 0.054-0.928], P=0.039). Conclusions: Tocilizumab administration was not significantly linked to an increased risk of fungal infections in COVID-19 patients in the ICU. This study underscores the multifactorial nature of fungal infection risk, emphasizing the need for comprehensive risk assessment.
Overview in Abnormal Read Cell Lipidomic Profiling for Human Chronic Disorder Diagnosis
Authors: Dackouo Blaise ,   Faculty of Pharmacy (FAPH)/University of Sciences, Technics and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB). P. O. Box 1805 Bamako, Mali, Arama Dominique Patomo , Dembele Ousmane , Toure Hamadoun Abba , Mariko Madani , Koumare Benoît Yaranga , Kanoute Gaoussou ,   Faculty of Pharmacy (FAPH)/University of Sciences, Technics and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB). P. O. Box 1805 Bamako, Mali,   Faculty of Pharmacy (FAPH)/University of Sciences, Technics and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB). P. O. Box 1805 Bamako, Mali,   Faculty of Pharmacy (FAPH)/University of Sciences, Technics and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB). P. O. Box 1805 Bamako, Mali,   Faculty of Pharmacy (FAPH)/University of Sciences, Technics and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB). P. O. Box 1805 Bamako, Mali,   Faculty of Pharmacy (FAPH)/University of Sciences, Technics and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB). P. O. Box 1805 Bamako, Mali,   Faculty of Pharmacy (FAPH)/University of Sciences, Technics and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB). P. O. Box 1805 Bamako, Mali
Published: July 2024

Red blood cell lipidomics has merged as new way to explore chronic disease biomarkers. The aim of this review to explore ethics sample collection and treatment for lipidomics purpose. Samples used to perform lipidomics is also addressed herein. As a result, remarkable efforts are made is the field.
Research on the Application of Digital Technology in University Procurement Auditing
Authors: Yi-Zi Ning ,   Central University of Finance and Economics, China
Published: July 2024

Digital technology is applied in the audit of procurement in universities to identify potential risks and issues, improve audit efficiency, and save manpower and time costs. The application of this technology can enhance risk management, strengthen supervision and management of procurement activities, and support decision improvement. Intuitive and clear audit reports and visualized analysis results provide decision support for university management, accurately assess risks, and formulate improvement measures. University procurement audits can comprehensively and accurately analyze procurement data, identify potential problems and risks, and provide stronger technical support for university procurement management.
Phase Change Material for Thermal Comfort Improvement in Tropical Climate of Cameroon
Authors: Akata Aloys Martial Ekoe A ,   Renewable Energy Systems Technology Laboratory (RESTL), Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Douala, Cameroon, Mackpayen Auguste Oscar , Kennedy Nembot Ouembe , Robert Mbiake ,   Laboratoire d’Energétique Carnot (L.E.C) / Université de Bangui, B.P: 908 Bangui (RCA),   Renewable Energy Systems Technology Laboratory (RESTL), Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Douala, Cameroon,   Renewable Energy Systems Technology Laboratory (RESTL), Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Douala, Cameroon
Published: July 2024

Current typical dwellings in the Sub-Saharan tropical climate of Cameroon provide opportunities for more effective design and the use of Phase-change materials (PCM) to reduce cooling energy demand. In this paper, a typical residential house of a single family is modelled with the local construction habits and materials under the tropical region of Cameroon. Energy analysis of the building is performed, taking into account the use of PCM paraffin RT26 in order to enhance the thermal comfort of the building. The impact of using phase change material on indoor air temperature is quantified. The results of the numerical analysis obtained show that the PCM can be a good option in a hot climate for reducing indoor air temperature. The average annual indoor air temperature was reduced from 35°C to 25°C.
Sucrose‐induced metabolic syndrome differentially affects energy metabolism and fiber phenotype of EDL and soleus muscles during exercise in the rat
Authors: Eduardo Rodríguez‐Correa , Karla Carvajal
Published: July 2024

Molecular mechanisms associated to improvement of metabolic syndrome (MetS) during exercise are not fully elucidated. MetS was induced in 250 g male Wistar rats by 30% sucrose in drinking water. Control rats receiving tap water were controls, both groups received solid standard diet. After 14 weeks, an endurance exercised group, and a sedentary were formed for 8 weeks. The soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles were dissected to determine contractile performance, expression of myosin heavy chain isoforms, PGC1α, AMPKα2, NFATC1, MEF2a, SIX1, EYA1, FOXO1, key metabolic enzymes activities. Exercise mildly improved MetS features. MetS didn't alter the contractile performance of the muscles. Exercise didn't altered expression of PGC1α, NFATC1, SIX1 and EYA1 on MetS EDL whereas NFATC1 increased in soleus. Only citrate synthase was affected by MetS on the EDL and this was partially reverted by exercise. Soleus α‐ketoglutarate dehydrogenase activity was increased by exercise but MetS rendered the muscle resistant to this effect. MetS affects mostly the EDL muscle, and endurance exercise only partially reverts this. Soleus muscle seems more resilient to MetS. We highlight the importance of studying both muscles during MetS, and their metabolic remodeling on the development and treatment of MetS by exercise.
The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and health‐related quality of life in youth with obesity
Authors: Goldfield Gary S. , Cameron Jameason D. , Sigal Ronald J. , Kenny Glen P. , Prud'homme Denis , Ngu Mathew , Alberga Angela S. , Doucette Steve , Goldfield Diana B. , Tulloch Heather , Thai Helen , Simas Kevin R. , Walsh Jeremy
Published: July 2024

The brain derived‐neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met polymorphism causes functional changes in BDNF, and is associated with obesity and some psychiatric disorders, but its relationship to health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) remains unknown. This study examined, in youth with obesity, whether carriers of the BDNF Val66met polymorphism Met‐alleles (A/A or G/A) differed from noncarriers (G/G) on HRQoL. The participants were 187 adolescents with obesity. Ninety‐nine youth were carriers of the homozygous Val/Val (G/G) alleles, and 88 were carriers of the Val/Met (G/A) or Met/Met (A/A) alleles. Blood samples were drawn in the morning after an overnight fast for genotyping. HRQoL was measured using the Pediatric‐Quality of Life core version. Compared to carriers of the Val66Met Val (G/G) alleles, carriers of the Met‐Alleles reported significantly higher physical –HRQoL (p = 0.02), school‐related HRQoL, (p = 0.05), social‐related HRQoL (p = 0.05), and total HRQoL (p = 0.03), and a trend for Psychosocial‐HRQoL. Research is needed to confirm our findings and determine whether carriers of the BDNF Val66Met homozygous Val (G/G) alleles may be at risk of diminished HRQoL, information that can influence interventions in a high‐risk population of inactive youth with obesity.
Digital beamforming enhancement with LSTM-based deep learning for millimeter wave transmission
Authors: Naji Ali A. , Jamel Thamer M. , Khazaal Hassan F.
Published: July 2024

Digital beamforming (DBF) has emerged as a pivotal technology for large-scale antenna arrays, offering precise beam steering control. This study presents an innovative approach to enhance millimeter wave transmission by integrating DBF with long short-term memory (LSTM)-based deep learning. Departing from conventional analog beamforming, our proposed system leverages digital signal processing and LSTM networks to optimize beamforming parameters, particularly in the presence of imperfect Channel state information. The primary objective is to achieve heightened spectral efficiency and increased robustness to channel uncertainties. Implemented in MATLAB, our methodology demonstrates significant performance enhancement through simulation results. The findings highlight the potential of DBF with LSTM for future communication systems. Furthermore, the study incorporates LSTM network training on historical data and its integration within the DBF process, offering a comprehensive perspective. This provides a clearer overview of the research issue, key findings, and contributions, setting the stage for the subsequent detailed exploration in the study.
Randomized, double-blind clinical trial evaluating the impact of freeze-dried garlic extract capsules on blood pressure, lipid profile, and nitric oxide levels in individuals at risk for hypertension
Authors: Rahmatinia Elham , Amidi Bardia , Naderi Narges , Ahmadipour Saeedeh , Ahmadvand Hasan , Pahlevan-Fallahy Mohammad-Taha , Ghorbanzadeh Vajihe , Nazari Afshin
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Hypertension, substantially heightens the risk of cardiovascular disease. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of freeze-dried garlic extract in blood pressure and lipid profiles in prehypertensive individuals.

Methods

Participants (age of 30–70 years) were allocated to intervention (n=47) or control (n=49) groups. The intervention group received two capsules of freeze-dried garlic extract daily for eight weeks, while the control group received identical placebo capsules. Primary outcomes, SBP, DBP, PP, MAP, TC, TG, LDL and HDL levels, serum NO levels, were assessed at baseline, four weeks, and eight weeks.

Results

At the end of study, results showed significant changes in the values of SBP, DBP, and MAP except for PP. In comparison to those who received the placebo, a significant drop in SBP, DBP (p<0.001), and MAP (p<0.001) was observed in the intervention group. Also, there were significant changes in TG, LDL, TC, and HDL levels in the interventional group. A noticeable decline was reported in TG (p<0.001), LDL (p<0.001), and TC (p<0.001), while HDL levels increased (p<0.001) in the intervention group compared to those receiving the placebo. Following garlic supplementation, a significant increase in blood NO levels was reported in the intervention group (p<0.001).

Conclusions

The study showed that garlic supplementation was effective in lowering blood pressure, improving lipid profile, and increasing nitric oxide levels in prehypertensive participants. These results indicate that garlic could be a valuable complementary therapy for managing prehypertension.
Constructing networks for comparison of collagen types
Authors: Wesp Valentin , Scholz Lukas , Ziermann-Canabarro Janine M. , Schuster Stefan , Stark Heiko
Published: July 2024

Collagens are structural proteins that are predominantly found in the extracellular matrix of multicellular animals, where they are mainly responsible for the stability and structural integrity of various tissues. All collagens contain polypeptide strands (α-chains). There are several types of collagens, some of which differ significantly in form, function, and tissue specificity. Because of their importance in clinical research, they are grouped into subdivisions, the so-called collagen families, and their sequences are often analysed. However, problems arise with highly homologous sequence segments. To increase the accuracy of collagen classification and prediction of their functions, the structure of these collagens and their expression in different tissues could result in a better focus on sequence segments of interest. Here, we analyse collagen families with different levels of conservation. As a result, clusters with high interconnectivity can be found, such as the fibrillar collagens, the COL4 network-forming collagens, and the COL9 FACITs. Furthermore, a large cluster between network-forming, FACIT, and COL28a1 α-chains is formed with COL6a3 as a major hub node. The formation of clusters also signifies, why it is important to always analyse the α-chains and why structural changes can have a wide range of effects on the body.
Social Systems of Flexible Production: Organizational Conditions for the Resurgence of Craft
Authors: Nyfeler Judith
Published: July 2024

Against the background of a growing interest in the resurgence of craft work, this article examines the organizational conditions that characterize craft-based production in contemporary society and how they help to facilitate craft resurgence. The paper identifies three organizational conditions of contemporary craft-based production, relating to the mass market, producing by means of flexible specialization, and using infrastructures. By applying a historical lens, I argue that these organizational conditions have formed into a particular way of organizing craft-based production which is attuned to local and temporal specificities. Therefore, this study builds on a complementary, symbiotic notion of craft which considers industrial manufacture, serial production and digital technologies to be constitutive of craft making. By offering an alternative conceptual framework to grasp the resurgence of craft, this article contributes to the understanding of organizational resilience.
An empirical Bayes approach for estimating skill models for professional darts players
Authors: Haugh Martin B. , Wang Chun
Published: July 2024

We perform an exploratory data analysis on a data-set for the top 16 professional darts players from the 2019 season. We use this data-set to fit player skill models which can then be used in dynamic zero-sum games (ZSGs) that model real-world matches between players. We propose an empirical Bayesian approach based on the Dirichlet-Multinomial (DM) model that overcomes limitations in the data. Specifically we introduce two DM-based skill models where the first model borrows strength from other darts players and the second model borrows strength from other regions of the dartboard. We find these DM-based models outperform simpler benchmark models with respect to Brier and Spherical scores, both of which are proper scoring rules. We also show in ZSGs settings that the difference between DM-based skill models and the simpler benchmark models is practically significant. Finally, we use our DM-based model to analyze specific situations that arose in real-world darts matches during the 2019 season.
The importance of rodents to a specialist carnivore in an industrialized site
Authors: Ravhuanzwo Fortune , Loock Daan J.E. , Swanepoel Lourens H.
Published: July 2024

Specialist carnivores are often among the first species disappearing from transformed, human-dominated landscapes. However, some carnivore species can exploit abundant food sources in human-dominated landscapes. In this study, we investigated the diet of a specialist carnivore, the serval (Leptailurus serval), inhabiting artificial and natural landscapes surrounding a petrochemical plant in the Highveld of Mpumalanga, South Africa. From 2013 to 2018, for each year, we collected and analysed a total of 264 scat samples. We found that rodent species dominated the serval diet, while other prey items like birds, insects, and unidentified prey contributed little to the diet. In terms of biomass consumed, Otomys sp (56.94 %), Mastomys sp (19.12 %), and Rhabdomys sp (8.68 %) were the most important rodent prey. We further found that biomass consumed is only affected by species, not season or species–season interactions. Our results concur with previous studies that serval is primarily a rodent specialist and that specialisation holds even in human-altered landscapes.
Does Fiscal Decentralization Mitigate Domestic Terrorism?
Authors: Arzaghi Mohammad , Gaibulloev Khusrav
Published: July 2024

Many countries have embarked on decentralization as a way to mitigate separation tendencies. Even though decentralization could satisfy some separation tendencies, the central government might be unable or unwilling to award the localities the level of decentralization they require to stay in the union. This mismatch may give rise to domestic violence and internal conflict. We propose a simple two-stage model that combines the decentralization and domestic terrorism literature in a single structural model, which can be readily tested using existing data in the disciplines. As long as the actual decentralization level meets the unobserved desired value by the localities, there will be a high likelihood of observing a zero incidence of domestic terrorism. Otherwise, the incidents happen regularly with mitigating effects from decentralization. Our model also accounts for the left-censoring of the terrorism data at zero. We examine our model using 5-year interval panel data of more than 60 countries based on the information for 1970–2019. Our results indicate a strong negative and statistically significant relationship between fiscal decentralization and domestic terrorism events. One percent increase in fiscal decentralization is associated with a two to three percent decline in domestic terrorism incidents. The coefficients of the selection model and domestic terrorism model generally conform to the literature.
Optimizing the design of a supersonic Planar Dual Bell Nozzle (PDBN)
Authors:   Aeronautical Sciences Laboratory (LSA) Aeronautics and Space Studies Institute, ABADA O. , KBAB H. ,   Aeronautical Sciences Laboratory (LSA) Aeronautics and Space Studies Institute, HAIF S. ,   Aeronautical Sciences Laboratory (LSA) Aeronautics and Space Studies Institute
Published: July 2024

Dual bell nozzles present a promising solution for maximizing propulsion efficiency at high altitudes, while also mitigating dangerous side loads at lower altitudes. Such nozzles are comprised of two distinct contours, with the first optimized for low altitude operation, and the second tailored for high altitude conditions. These contours are interconnected at an inflexion point. The present study focuses on optimizing the contour design of a planar dual bell nozzle. Leveraging the commercial ANSYS-Fluent software, we conducted an investigation into the influence of the inflection angle on the transition between the two operating modes, examined the flow behavior inside the nozzle, and assessed the impact of the inflection angle on the thrust coefficient.
TECHNOLOGY FOR WATER MINING ON THE MOON WITHOUT ICE PHASE CHANGE
Authors:   Yuzhnoye State Design Office named after M. K. Yangel, HUSAROVA I. O. , OSINOVYY G. G. ,   Yuzhnoye State Design Office named after M. K. Yangel, POTAPOVYCH L. P. ,   Yuzhnoye State Design Office named after M. K. Yangel
Published: July 2024

An analytical study into technologies developed for mining water on the Moon has been carried out, and its results demonstrate that methods without the ice phase change are energy efficient. Based on an analysis of temperature distribution over the regolith depth at the lunar poles, it was found that water in the form of ice can be present at depths less than 11 cm. According to their properties, ice regoliths are not loose rocks like dry regoliths but rather hard. With this in mind, a two-phase technology has been proposed to extract water from ice regolith without the ice phase change: the extracted raw material is first crushed and then separated by screening. The regolith hardness rapidly increases as water content increases. Since the equipment mass and power increase as the material hardness increases, in the first phase of the Moon exploration, it is advisable to mine and process ice regoliths with an ice content of ~1.6 %, which are relatively soft rocks with a hardness of 2. Small mobile excavators, already developed and tested, can be used for digging such materials, and impact crushers with low weight and power can be used for processing the raw materials. The concept of an integrated system for separating ice from regolith without the ice phase change has been developed based on a selective impact crusher, which combines the operations of crushing the extracted raw materials and separating individual components in one device. Selective impact crushers are the most energy-efficient pieces of equipment for crushing and separating raw materials. The power consumption of the proposed integrated selective crushing system to separate ice from regolith for mining 100 kg of ice per hour is 118 W, which is comparable with the Aqua Factorem system (100 W) and significantly less than the power consumption required for the thermal method, i.e., 800 kW.
SIMULATION SPACECRAFT POLYMERS — ATOMIC OXYGEN INTERACTION AT LOW ORBIT IN THE EARTH’S ATMOSPHERE
Authors:   Institute of Technical Mechanics of the National Academy of Science of Ukraine and the State Space Agency of Ukraine, Shuvalov V. O. , Pismennyi M. I. ,   Institute of Technical Mechanics of the National Academy of Science of Ukraine and the State Space Agency of Ukraine, Tokmak M. A. ,   Institute of Technical Mechanics of the National Academy of Science of Ukraine and the State Space Agency of Ukraine, Kulagin S. M. ,   Institute of Technical Mechanics of the National Academy of Science of Ukraine and the State Space Agency of Ukraine, Reznichenko M. P. ,   Institute of Technical Mechanics of the National Academy of Science of Ukraine and the State Space Agency of Ukraine
Published: July 2024

The paper represents procedures developed for the simulation of the interaction of polymers, which are the spacecraft structure materials, with the flows of hyperthermal atomic oxygen (AO) at very low-Earth orbits (VLEOs) by use of high-energy ions of a rarefied plasma. The development is based on laboratory and space test data (the Mir orbital station, the ISS, the Space Shuttle, and Spot 1, 2, 4). The parameters that characterize the physicochemical and dynamic interaction of atomic oxygen flow with the spacecraft structure’spolymers are determined, such as erosion yield, solar absorptance, momentum and energy accommodation coefficients, and also erosion depth and surface roughness polymer film. The parameters of the «AO — polymer» interaction are reported as a function of energy and AO fluence. The use of AO ion flows for energies 30…100 eV allows one to simulate an interaction of «AO — polymers» at altitudes 170…300 km (VLEOs) in the Earth’s atmosphere.
WATER RESOURCE MONITORING FOR THE DRAINAGE SYSTEMS CONTAMINATED BY RADIATION BASED ON THE COM PLEX OF SATELLITE IMAGING AND GROUND OBSERVATIONS (IN THE CONTEXT OF REGIONAL CLIMATE CHANGES)
Authors:   Scientific Centre for Aerospace Research of the Earth of the Institute of Geological Sciences of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Azimov O. T. , Tomchenko O. V. ,   Scientific Centre for Aerospace Research of the Earth of the Institute of Geological Sciences of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Shevchenko O. L. ,   Ukrainian Research Hydrometeorological Institute under the Ministry for Emergencies and the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kireev S. I. ,   3 State Specialized Enterprise «Ecocentre»
Published: July 2024

As a case study of the Prypiat Left Bank Drainage System of the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, the probable onset of the multi-aqueous phase of water content in the frame of the full hydrological cycle at the end of 2022 was estimated for the entire region of Polissia. The attributes of such a process are: 1) a relative increase in the total amount of atmospheric precipitation for the period of September-October-November-December in 2022 compared to the same period in previous years within the entire left-bank part of the Prypiat River catchment basin (according to the ERA5 dataset); 2) the increase in the watering rate of the drainage system territory – both the interdam section and the area located to the northeast of the old dam (this is evidenced by an analytical comparison of the results of the thematic interpretation of Sentinel-2 image data for 02. 05.2023 and satellite data acquired by the various sensors for April-May of previous years); 3) the established facts of heavy rains that occurred in April 2023 in the studied region, flooding, submergence of the large areas, freshet in its territory in April-May of the same year. As a result, compared to the period 2015-2021, i.e., already after the termination of the permanent operation of the polder pumping station in the area of the left bank polder, in 2022 the level of 90Sr activity, which according to calculations could have been removed with the runoff from this territory, increased significantly – 4 times more as compared to 2021 and 20 times more compared to 2020. Therefore, considering the above hydrometeorological factors, the prediction regarding the increase in the level of 90Sr activity, which will be carried out with the runoff from the area of the left-bank polder to the Prypiat River, both in 2023, and in the following 2-3 years is substantiated.
A normáltartományban maradó NLR (neutrophil-lymphocyta arány) prediktív értéke a várandósság alatt jelentkező SARS-CoV-2-fertőzésben
Authors: Supák Dorina , Turi Balázs , Kovács Bence Géza , Ács Nándor , Mészáros Balázs , Kukor Zoltán , Valent Sándor
Published: July 2024

Bevezetés: A várandósság alatt fellépő SARS-CoV-2-fertőzés
ellátása speciális kihívást jelent. Célkitűzés: COVID–19-cel
szövődött terhes páciensek esetében a neutrophil-lymphocyta arány (NLR)
prediktív értékének vizsgálata, a betegség kimenetelének szempontjából.
Módszerek: Retrospektív kohorsztanulmány, melyben 123
páciens laborértékei kerültek átvizsgálásra, akik a Semmelweis Egyetemen álltak
kezelés alatt SARS-CoV-2-fertőzés nyomán kialakuló COVID–19 miatt. Az összes
vizsgált páciens várandós volt a betegsége idején: 96 esetben enyhe/középsúlyos
lefolyást mutatott a betegség, a maradék 27 esetben viszont súlyos lefolyást,
így ezek a páciensek gépi légzéstámogatást igényeltek. Az ebben a két csoportban
a kórházba kerülés napján, illetve a kórházi tartózkodás során mért legmagasabb
NLR-értékeket hasonlítottuk össze. Eredmények: Statisztikai
eredményeink alapján a két, életkorát tekintve homogén populáció között
szignifikáns különbség volt mind az első napi, mind pedig a csúcs-NLR-értékek
között. Az enyhe/középsúlyos eseteknél mind az első napi, mind a
csúcs-NLR-értékek szignifikánsan alacsonyabbak voltak, mint a súlyos eseteknél.
A kórházba kerülés első napján mért, normáltartományon belül lévő NLR-értékek
tekintetében is szignifikáns volt a különbség: az enyhe/középsúlyos csoportban
29, míg a súlyos csoportban csak 1 páciens NLR-értéke volt a normáltartományon
belül. A könnyű/középsúlyos csoportban 20 páciens NLR-je végig élettani volt,
míg ez a súlyos csoportban egy páciensről sem volt elmondható.
Következtetés: Eredményeink alapján az emelkedett
NLR-értékek fontos prediktív markerei lehetnek a várandósság alatt lezajló
súlyos COVID–19-fertőzésnek. Orv Hetil. 2024; 165(27): 1039–1043.
Intézeten kívüli születések Magyarországon a poszt-COVID-időszakban
Authors: Kapitány Balázs
Published: July 2024

Bevezetés: Elemzésünkben az intézeten kívüli szülések
legfontosabb jellemzőit mutatjuk be Magyarországon. Célkitűzés:
Célunk egy leíró statisztikai elemzés készítése, amely bemutatja, hogy
COVID–19-et követően mekkora a jelentősége Magyarországon az intézeten kívüli
szüléseknek, és ez milyen demográfiai, társadalmi csoportokra jellemző.
Módszer: Elemzésünkben a Központi Statisztikai Hivatal
népmozgalmi adatbázisát elemezzük. Ez az adatbázis tartalmaz adatot minden
magyarországi élve születés esetén a szülés helyéről és arról, hogy a szüléskor
jelen volt-e orvos vagy szülésznő. Előnyei ellenére ez az adatbázis
alulhasznosított a tudományos, statisztikai elemzésekben. A vizsgált adatok több
szempontból összevethetők az intézeten kívüli szülés szakmai szabályairól,
feltételeiről és kizáró okairól szóló 35/2011. (III. 21.) Korm. rendelet
előírásaival. Eredmények: A COVID–19-járvány kitörését követően
Magyarországon jelentősen nőtt az intézményen kívüli születések aránya, a
korábbi 0,6%-ról 1% környékére. Az intézeten kívüli szülések között elsősorban
azoknak a szüléseknek az aránya nőtt, amelyeknél jelen volt egészségügyi
személyzet. Az intézeten kívül szülések nagyobb arányban jellemzőek a fiatal és
a viszonylag idős édesanyákra. Az intézeten kívüli szülés esélye párhuzamosan nő
a korábbi szülések számával. Átlag alatti arányban szülnek intézeten kívül a
középfokú végzettségű nők. A nagy születéskori súlyú és testhosszú újszülöttek
között átlag feletti az intézeten kívül születettek aránya.
Megbeszélés: Az eredmények szerint a COVID–19-et követő
időszakban egyértelműen demográfiailag, társadalmilag polarizálódottnak
tekinthető az intézeten kívüli szülések jelensége. A jelenlegi jogi szabályozás
által meghatározott kereteken kívül is jelentős számban történnek intézeten
kívüli szülések, melyek eredményei arra utalnak, hogy ezek az esetek nem
elhanyagolható arányban, minden valószínűség szerint, tervezett, intézeten
kívüli szülések. Következtetés: A kapott eredmények felvethetik
a több mint egy évtizede változatlan jogi szabályozás és a tényleges gyakorlat
közötti diszkrepancia csökkentésének igényét. Orv Hetil. 2024; 165(27):
1044–1052.
Semmelweis Egyetem Iron Board – Vaspótlás-konszenzusdokumentum
Authors: Csulak Emese , Gellért Bálint , Hritz István , Miheller Pál , Farkas Péter , Kovács Gábor , Szabó Attila , Ács Nándor , Becker Dávid , Sydó Nóra , Merkely Béla
Published: July 2024

A vashiány a leggyakoribb nyomelemhiány a világon, ezáltal jelentős globális
egészségi problémát okoz mind a felnőttek, mind a gyermekek egészségügyi
ellátásában. A vashiány számos társbetegséggel jár együtt, és jelentősen
befolyásolja az életminőséget. Az anaemia kialakulása előtti felismerésével a
tünetek és az életminőség javítható már korai stádiumban. Diagnosztizálásában és
kezelésében számos orvosi terület érintett, ennek ellenére egyik diszciplína sem
vállalja igazán magára a feladatot. A jelen konszenzusdokumentum célja egy
egységes, diagnosztikus és terápiás útmutató létrehozása a vashiány miatt
leginkább érintett orvosi területeken. A konszenzusos dokumentumot hematológiai,
gasztroenterológiai, szülészet-nőgyógyászati, kardiológiai, gyermekgyógyászati
és sportorvostani szakterületen jártas orvosok dolgozták ki, akik a Semmelweis
Egyetem Iron Board tagjai. A konszenzusdokumentum szakterületenként tartalmazza
a legfrissebb szakmai ajánlást. A vashiánybetegség különböző stádiumainak
diagnosztikájához a vérképnek és a vasanyagcserét mutató paramétereknek
(szérumvas, transzferrin, transzferrinszaturáció, ferritin) a vizsgálata
szükséges. Az anaemia diagnózisához szükséges hemoglobinszint egyértelműen
meghatározott, mely minden felnőtt betegcsoportra egyaránt érvényes: férfiaknál
<130 g/l, nőknél <120 g/l, míg gyermekeknél életkortól függően változik.
Az elsődleges cél a vashiánybetegség okának megállapítása és annak célzott
kezelése. Az orális vaskezelés az első vonalbeli terápia a legtöbb esetben, mely
biztonságos és hatékony a tünetes vagy anaemia kialakulására nagy kockázatú
betegek esetén. Vas(II)-sók alkalmazásakor a készítmény másnaponkénti adagolása
javítja az együttműködést, a tolerálhatóságot és a felszívódást. A
vas(III)-hidroxid-polimaltóz előnye, hogy nem szükséges éhgyomorra bevenni,
emellett már kora terhességben és gyerekeknél is biztonságosan alkalmazható. A
C-vitamin használata a felszívódás növelése érdekében a legújabb klinikai
vizsgálatok szerint nem jár előnnyel. Intravénás vaspótlás javasolt, ha a
vasháztartás gyors rendezése szükséges, ha az orális kezelés nem tolerálható
vagy nagy valószínűséggel hatástalan lesz, továbbá elsősorban pangásos
szívelégtelenség, várandósság, gyulladásos bélbetegség, felszívódási zavar és
preoperatív állapot esetén. Orv Hetil. 2024; 165(27): 1027–1038.
Oxynticus mirigy neoplasia – esetismertetés és diagnosztikai dilemma
Authors: Sejben Anita , EJ Mohammad Jamal , Almakrami Mohammed , Kiss Tamás Balázs
Published: July 2024

Az oxynticus mirigy neoplasia terminológia a gyomor olyan atípusos fő- és
fedősejtek által alkotott mirigyei esetében használatos, amikor nem látszik
invázió, tehát a fundus mirigy adenocarcinoma diagnózisa nem állítható fel,
ugyanakkor a laesio nem került kompletten eltávolításra, tehát teljes vastagsága
nem vizsgálható. Az oxynticus mirigy neoplasiák etiológiája jelenleg
tisztázatlan, egyes források protonpumpagátlókkal, valamint
antihisztamin-használattal hozták őket összefüggésbe. Endoszkópos vizsgálat
során a morfológiájuk nem specifikus, lapos és polypoid laesiók egyaránt
lehetnek, és döntően a gyomor felső egyharmadára lokalizáltak. Amennyiben
komplett endoszkópos nyálkahártya-reszekció kivitelezhető, további kezelés nem
szükséges, tehát összességében jó prognózisú elváltozásoknak tarthatók.
Közleményünkben egy 84 éves nő esetét mutatjuk be, akinél haspuffadás miatt
indult kivizsgálás, és gasztroszkópia történt. A corpus területén 1 cm-es, lapos
polypus volt látható, melyből többszörös biopszia történt, a képlet közel teljes
eltávolításával. A szövettani vizsgálat során a nyálkahártya mélyén jól körülírt
és jól differenciált, expanzív szélű elváltozás volt megfigyelhető, melyet
atípusos fősejtek, elvétve pedig fedősejtek alkottak. Ezek a sejtek
oxynticusmirigy-szerű struktúrákat képeztek. A pepszinogénreakció a fősejtekben
szemcsés jellegű, citoplazmatikus pozitivitást mutatott.
H+/K+ ATPáz reakcióval a fedősejtekben szintén
szemcsés jellegű, citoplazmatikus pozitivitás látszott. MUC6-tal a laesionalis
sejtekben diffúz, citoplazmatikus pozitivitás volt megfigyelhető. Invázió jeleit
nem láttuk. A morfológiai, valamint az immunfenotípus alapján is az elváltozást
oxynticus mirigy neoplasiának véleményeztük, ’low-grade’ dysplasiával. Az
oxynticus mirigy neoplasiák mind klinikai, mint patológiai szempontból fokozott
figyelmet igényelnek, ugyanis ritka entitásokról van szó, melyeknek egyelőre sem
az etiológiájuk, sem a prognózisuk nem tisztázott teljes mértékben.
Differenciáldiagnosztikai szempontból fundus mirigy polypus, pylorus mirigy
adenoma, valamint neuroendokrin tumor jön szóba. A definitív diagnózis
felállítását pepszinogén, H+/K+ ATPáz, valamint MUC6
immunhisztokémiai reakciók segíthetik. Orv Hetil. 2024; 165(27): 1053–1057.
The main causes of sudden cardiac arrest in schoolchildren during physical activity, effective methods of prevention
Authors: Malska A.A. ,   Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Ukraine, Kuryliak O.B. , Burak T.V. , Rudenko N.M. ,   Lviv Regional Children's Clinical Hospital OKHMATDYT, Ukraine,   Western Ukrainian Specialized Children’s Medical Centre, Lviv,   SI Scientific and Practical Medical Center for Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, Kyiv
Published: July 2024

Deaths of children during physical education classes occur every year not only in Ukraine but also around the world, and these are always events that receive wide publicity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every year in the United States, about 2,000 young, apparently healthy people under the age of 25 die from sudden cardiac arrest. Aim - to analyze the causes of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in children and adolescents during physical activities and to identify the main ways to prevention of SCA, providing family physicians with practical and relevant information on the strategy of screening, assessment and management of the risk of developing SCA in children during physical activities. Primary care physicians (PCPs), who see patients from infancy to adolescence and have a long-term relationship with the child and family play a key role in preventing sudden cardiac arrest in children. They conduct a medical examination and Rufier test for all children before they enter school and determine the group of activities for physical education classes to prevent these tragic events. The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
Features of damage to the central nervous system in children with Menkes disease. Clinical case
Authors: Dudnyk V.M. ,   National Pirogov Мemorial Medical University, Vinnytsa, Ukraine, Furman V.H. , Kutsak O.V. , Fedchishyn O.P. , Bereznitskyy O.V. ,   National Pirogov Мemorial Medical University, Vinnytsa, Ukraine,   National Pirogov Мemorial Medical University, Vinnytsa, Ukraine,   National Pirogov Мemorial Medical University, Vinnytsa, Ukraine,   National Pirogov Мemorial Medical University, Vinnytsa, Ukraine
Published: July 2024

Menkes disease (MD) is a progressive multisystem disease with an X-linked recessive type of inheritance, the basis of which is a violation of copper metabolism, which leads to its deficiency. Aim - to acquaint practicing doctors with the features of damage to the central nervous system in a child with MD. Clinical case. The features of damage to the central nervous system (CNS) in a child with MD are described. The basic diagnostic value of complaints, history, clinical manifestations of CNS damage, laboratory methods of research (determination of the level of ceruloplasmin and copper in blood serum, the level of copper in daily urine) and instrumental research methods: magnetic resonance computer tomography (MRI) of the brain, electroencephalography (EEG), molecular genetic research. Changes on MRI of the brain - subdural hygroma around the left hemisphere of the brain, up to 6 mm thick, parasagittal convexity in the dorsal sections on the left, thin layering of increased signal intensity in TI, Flair, without diffusion restriction - probably layering of hemosiderin, increased tortuosity of intracranial arteries at the level of the Vilisian circle. EEG data indicate an epileptiform EEG pattern with signs of cortical rhythm disorganization. Taking into account the clinical data (progressive neurodegeneration of the brain, hypothermia, hyperbilirubinemia, trichopolydystrophy, delayed psychomotor development and growth, laboratory data - decrease in the levels of ceruloplasmin, copper in the blood plasma and the copper level in the daily urine), the data of the conducted molecular genetic testing (mutation in ATP7A genes) may correspond to Menkes disease. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Informed consent of the child's parents was obtained for the research. The authors declare no conflict of interest.