bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
iOCT-guided simulated subretinal injections: a comparison between manual and robot-assisted techniques in an ex-vivo porcine model
Authors: Maierhofer Niklas A. , Jablonka Anne-Marie , Roodaki Hessam , Nasseri M. Ali , Eslami Abouzar , Klaas Julian , Lohmann Chris P. , Maier Mathias , Zapp Daniel
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study is to compare robot-assisted and manual subretinal injections in terms of successful subretinal blistering, reflux incidences and damage of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Subretinal injection was simulated on 84 ex-vivo porcine eyes with half of the interventions being carried out manually and the other half by controlling a custom-built robot in a master–slave fashion. After pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), the retinal target spot was determined under a LUMERA 700 microscope with microscope-integrated intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT) RESCAN 700 (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Germany). For injection, a 1 ml syringe filled with perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) was tipped with a 40-gauge metal cannula (Incyto Co., Ltd., South Korea). In one set of trials, the needle was attached to the robot’s end joint and maneuvered robotically to the retinal target site. In another set of trials, approaching the retina was performed manually. Intraretinal cannula-tip depth was monitored continuously via iOCT. At sufficient depth, PFCL was injected into the subretinal space. iOCT images and fundus video recordings were used to evaluate the surgical outcome. Robotic injections showed more often successful subretinal blistering (73.7% vs. 61.8%, p > 0.05) and a significantly lower incidence of reflux (23.7% vs. 58.8%, p < 0.01). Although larger tip depths were achieved in successful manual trials, RPE penetration occurred in 10.5% of robotic but in 26.5% of manual cases (p > 0.05). In conclusion, significantly less reflux incidences were achieved with the use of a robot. Furthermore, RPE penetrations occurred less and successful blistering more frequently when performing robotic surgery.
Bioinspired and Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles for Medical Applications: A Green Perspective
Authors: Arshad Fareeha , Naikoo Gowhar A. , Hassan Israr U. , Chava Sai Raghuveer , El-Tanani Mohamed , Aljabali Alaa A , Tambuwala Murtaza M.
Published: September 2023

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) possess unmatched chemical, biological, and physical properties that make them unique compounds as antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, and anticancer agents. With the increasing drug resistance, AgNPs serve as promising entities for targeted drug therapy against several bacterial, fungal, and viral components. In addition, AgNPs also serve as successful anticancer agents against several cancers, including breast, prostate, and lung cancers. Several works in recent years have been done towards the development of AgNPs by using plant extracts like flowers, leaves, bark, root, stem, and whole plant parts. The green method of AgNP synthesis thus has several advantages over chemical and physical methods, especially the low cost of synthesis, no toxic byproducts, eco-friendly production pathways, can be easily regenerated, and the bio-reducing potential of plant derived nanoparticles. Furthermore, AgNPs are biocompatible and do not harm normally functioning human or host cells. This review provides an exhaustive overview and potential of green synthesized AgNPs that can be used as antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, and anticancer agents. After a brief introduction, we discussed the recent studies on the development of AgNPs from different plant extracts, including leaf parts, seeds, flowers, stems, bark, root, and whole plants. In the following section, we highlighted the different therapeutic actions of AgNPs against various bacteria, fungi, viruses, and cancers, including breast, prostate, and lung cancers. We then highlighted the general mechanism of action of AgNPs. The advantages of the green synthesis method over chemical and physical methods were then discussed in the article. Finally, we concluded the review by providing future perspectives on this promising field in nanotechnology.
Cotton Textile Dyeing by Plant-Derived Colorants in the Presence of Natural Additives
Authors: Brudzyńska Patrycja , Sionkowska Alina , Grisel Michel
Published: September 2023

The research reported in this paper concerns the examination of the ability to dye cotton textiles with plant-derived colorants in the presence of various natural additives. For this purpose, cotton textile samples were dyed with commercially available plant-derived dyes, which are usually used for food application, using a cold dyeing process in acidic conditions. The natural origin additives which were applied during the dyeing process were cosmetic grade and low molecular weight chitosan, nettle extract and shellac in an ethanol solution. The dyed fabrics were analyzed using FTIR spectroscopy, and the mechanical properties were tested to study the influence of colorants and additives on cotton textile properties or the dyeing process. Furthermore, the color stability under the influence of UVC irradiation was studied, using a colorimeter. The obtained results indicated that applied plant-derived colorants may effectively dye natural fabrics, such as cotton. The application of natural additives had a beneficial influence on cotton textile properties and the dyeing process. The pretreatment of cotton with chitosan, nettle extract or shellac improves the color stability following UVC irradiation of the material. Moreover, those additives can influence the mechanical properties of cotton textiles. Further research, however, is required to develop the most favorable dyeing conditions in each case.
The Dynamics of Seagrass Ecosystems: History, Past Accomplishments, and Future Prospects
Authors: Orth Robert J. , Heck Kenneth L.
Published: September 2023

The goal of this perspective is to review how seagrass research has evolved over the past half century to our current state of knowledge. We review how our knowledge of seagrass ecosystems changed from the pre-1970s when so little was known about seagrasses and how it progressed during the next 5 decades when seagrass knowledge rapidly expanded. Here, we concentrate on accomplishments in the areas of reproductive biology and ecology, population biology, seagrass-animal relationships, conservation and restoration, and mapping and monitoring. We also look ahead and discuss some areas that are ripe for future research, especially those employing new mapping and monitoring technologies, improved restoration methods that include multiple genetic variants, rhizosphere studies that result in a deeper understanding of microbial effects on nitrogen availability, sulfide levels and carbon sequestration, and how changing climatic regimes and tropicalization will likely affect temperate and tropical seagrass-dominated ecosystems.
The Prophylactic Protection of Salmonella Typhimurium Infection by Lentilactobacillus buchneri GX0328-6 in Mice
Authors: Shi Yan , Peng Hao , Liao Yuying , Li Jun , Yin Yangyan , Peng Hongyan , Wang Leping , Tan Yizhou , Li Changting , Bai Huili , Ma Chunxia , Tan Wenbao , Li Xun
Published: September 2023

Salmonellosis is a disease caused by non-typhoid Salmonella, and although some lactic acid bacteria strains have been shown previously to relieve Salmonellosis symptoms, little has been studied about the preventive mechanism of Lentilactobacillus buchneri (L. buchneri) against Salmonella infection in vivo. Therefore, the L. buchneri was fed to C57BL/6 mice for 10 days to build a protective system of mice to study its prevention and possible mechanisms. The results showed that L. buchneri GX0328-6 alleviated symptoms caused by Salmonella typhimurium infection among C57BL/6 mice, including low survival rate, weight loss, increase in immune organ index and hepatosplenomegaly, and modulated serum immunoglobulin levels and intrinsic immunity. Importantly, the L. buchneri GX0328-6 enhanced the mucosal barrier of the mouse jejunum by upregulating the expression of tight junction proteins such as ZO-1, occludins, and claudins-4 and improved absorptive capacity by increasing the length of mouse jejunal villus and the ratio of villus length to crypt depth and decreasing the crypt depth. L. buchneri GX0328-6 reduced the intestinal proliferation and invasion of Salmonella typhimurium by modulating the expression of antimicrobial peptides in the intestinal tract of mice, and reduced intestinal inflammation and systemic spread in mice by downregulating the expression of IL-6 and promoting the expression of IL-10. Furthermore, L. buchneri GX0328-6 increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria colonies and decreased the relative abundance of harmful bacteria in the cecum microflora by modulating the microflora in the cecum contents.
AC conductivity and dielectric properties of InxTe20−xSe80 chalcogenides
Authors: Afify Ibrahim Hasan , Farag El-Sayed M. , Abo-Ghazala M. S. , El-Zaidia M. M.
Published: September 2023

Chalcogenide samples with chemical formula InxTe20−xSe80 (x = 5, 10 and 15 at %) were prepared using melt quenching method. AC conductivity σ, dielectric constant κ and loss tangent tanδ were measured using two probe method in frequency range from 100 Hz to 5 MHz and temperature range from 26 to 100 °C. All samples exhibited usual dispersion and temperature variation of chalcogenides. Conduction activation energy E was determined from temperature dependence of conductivity using Arrhenius relation. Conductivity, activation energy, dielectric constant and loss tangent decreased with increasing In-content.
Environmental Drivers of Plant Invasion in Wetland Mitigation
Authors: Hunter Dakota M. , DeBerry Douglas A.
Published: September 2023

Invasive plant species can alter natural communities and degrade ecosystem function, yet the factors influencing species invasion are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to characterize environmental drivers of plant community structure and invasive plant prevalence within invaded portions of wetland mitigation sites. We sampled vegetation and environmental variables (prevalence index, light availability, soil physiochemistry, site age) across invasion gradients within and adjacent to invasive plant populations at multiple wetland mitigation sites in the Coastal Plain and Piedmont physiographic provinces of Virginia (USA). Data analyses involved a multi-metric statistical approach combining correlation and CCA to arrive at a plausible model for drivers of plant community structure in the context of invasive species prevalence based on environmental correlates. We targeted populations of Arthraxon hispidus (joint-head grass), Microstegium vimineum (Japanese stiltgrass), and Typha spp. (cattail), three invasive species that are known to be problematic on wetland mitigation sites in the region. Our analyses revealed specific environmental drivers of plant community structure and invasive species prevalence associated with populations of each invader, and a few factors consistently emerged as important drivers across populations of all targeted invaders – notably, canopy cover (light availability), prevalence index (representing frequency and duration of inundation and shallow soil saturation), and a handful of physiochemical variables. The results of this research have been used to develop a suite of recommended best practices that can be implemented at the outset of a wetland mitigation project to encourage desirable wetland plant communities and reduce the risk of invasion.
Numerical investigation of a Coandă-based fluidic thrust vectoring system for subsonic nozzles
Authors: Schwagerus Nils , Stößel Marcel , Krummenauer Michael , Kožulović Dragan , Niehuis Reinhard
Published: September 2023

The numerical investigation of a novel subsonic thrust concept for fluidic thrust vectoring (FTV) of jet engines is the subject of this publication. FTV possibly offers advantages over conventional mechanical thrust vector control such as decreased complexity, mass and maintenance costs. The operating principle of the FTV nozzles under investigation at the Institute of Jet Propulsion is based on the Coandă effect. The applied concept of thrust vectoring uses dedicated secondary flow channels which are mounted in parallel around the nozzle inner cone or the nozzle wall. If required, bleed air, provided by extraction from the engine compressor or from an external source, is injected at a specific nozzle pressure ratio at the nozzle throat $$A_8$$

A
8

through these secondary ducts, resulting in the redirection of the secondary jet towards the convex Coandă surface. The interaction between the primary mass flow and the secondary jet leads to a redirection of the primary exhaust mass flow of the engine and thus to a vectoring of the exhaust flow. In this paper, the influence of different nozzle geometric parameters and different operating points are investigated within an extensive parametric study applied to a convergent two-dimensional thrust vectoring nozzle using computational fluid dynamics tools. Thrust vector deflection of up to $${20}^{\circ }$$

20

∘

at a maximum secondary to primary mass flow ratio of $$10 \%$$

10
%

is achieved. Reducing this mass flow rate to $$5 \%$$

5
%

still yields vectoring angles of up to $${15}^{\circ }$$

15

∘

whereby similar deflection angles compared to conventional mechanical thrust vectoring systems are achievable.
Long-term survival from progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in living-donor liver transplant recipient with preformed donor-specific antibody
Authors: Egashira Shuhei , Kubota Akatsuki , Kakumoto Toshiyuki , Kawasaki Reiko , Kotani Risa , Sakuishi Kaori , Iwata Atsushi , Bae Sung Kwan , Akamatsu Nobuhisa , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Tanaka Mariko , Nakamichi Kazuo , Saijo Masayuki , Toda Tatsushi
Published: September 2023

Intensive immunosuppression has enabled liver transplantation even in recipients with preformed donor-specific antibodies (DSA), an independent risk factor for graft rejection. However, these recipients may also be at high risk of progressive multifocal encephalopathy (PML) due to the comorbid immunosuppressed status. A 58-year-old woman presented with self-limited focal-to-bilateral tonic-clonic seizures 9 months after liver transplantation. She was desensitized using rituximab and plasma exchange before transplantation and was subsequently treated with steroids, tacrolimus, and everolimus after transplantation for her preformed DSA. Neurological examination revealed mild acalculia and agraphia. Cranial MRI showed asymmetric, cortex-sparing white matter lesions that increased over a week in the left frontal, left parietal, and right parieto-occipital lobes. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the cerebrospinal fluid for the JC supported the diagnosis of PML. Immune reconstitution by reducing the immunosuppressant dose stopped lesion expansion, and PCR of the cerebrospinal fluid for the JC virus became negative. Graft rejection occurred 2 months after immune reconstitution, requiring readjustment of immunosuppressants. Forty-eight months after PML onset, the patient lived at home without disabling deficits. Intensive immunosuppression may predispose recipients to PML after liver transplantation with preformed DSA. Early immune reconstitution and careful monitoring of graft rejection may help improve outcomes.
Investigation of the Properties of Hydrocarbon Natural Gases Under Confinement in Tight Reservoirs Due to Critical Properties Shift
Authors: Mamdouh Mohamed , Elsayed Said K. , El-Rammah Shady
Published: September 2023

Pure components exhibit different phase behavior and critical properties shift when confined, primarily due to increased molecules-pore wall interactions. While extensive research has focused on modeling this behavior for pure components, there is a need to extend these models to hydrocarbon gas mixtures in tight and shale reservoirs to understand the deviation of gas properties from bulk behavior. The study utilizes the Peng–Robinson equation of state to calculate gas properties, considering the shift in critical properties of pure components due to confinement in EOS parameter calculations. Trend analysis investigates the effect of pore size reduction on gas properties, introducing the concepts of the confinement impact factor and specific pore radius. Correlation analysis explores the relationships between variables. Nonlinear regression analysis leads to the development of a new correlation that accounts for confinement effects on gas properties. The findings reveal that the deviation from bulk properties depends on the pore radius, pressure, temperature, and gas composition. The magnitude of deviation ranges from negligible to exceeding 15% under specific conditions of high pressure, low temperature, small pore radius, and rich gas composition. Gas viscosity experiences the most significant alteration, followed by density, while the gas compressibility factor also displays a noticeable impact. The isothermal gas compressibility coefficient demonstrates minimal to no response to confinement. Decreasing pore radius increases the gas compressibility factor, while gas viscosity and density decrease. The obtained results are crucial for shale and tight reservoir engineering calculations, particularly in adjusting gas properties in reservoir simulation and production modeling software.
A new position controller design compensating the ship motion (sinusoidal input) in the target tracking servo system
Authors: Park Ki-Woo , Park Dong-Hyuk , Kim Jae Hyung
Published: September 2023

This paper proposes a controller that can exhibit the good performance in a servo system where step, ramp, and sinusoidal commands are mixed. In particular, the servo system applied to the naval gun system, the laser weapon system, the electro-optical tracking system installed on the ship must be able to follow the step and ramp commands necessary for target tracking and the sinusoidal command for stabilization of the ship motion. However, in the servo systems developed so far, type I and type II can control the steady-state error of step command and ramp command to zero, but a residual error occurred in sinusoidal command. This paper proposes a new controller with zero steady-state error of sinusoidal command. Using the Park’s Transformation concept used in the current of the AC motor, a PI controller was constructed by converting the sinusoidal drive command into a synchronous frame. The control law was derived from the relationship between the stationary frame controller and the synchronous frame controller. Furthermore, to detect the frequency required for conversion, frequency detection block was proposed. Steady-state conditions were found in the control zone (fine zone) separated by the error size and verified by simulation using an example plant.
Twisted Neumann–Zagier matrices
Authors: Garoufalidis Stavros , Yoon Seokbeom
Published: September 2023

The Neumann–Zagier matrices of an ideal triangulation are integer matrices with symplectic properties whose entries encode the number of tetrahedra that wind around each edge of the triangulation. They can be used as input data for the construction of a number of quantum invariants that include the loop invariants, the 3D-index and state-integrals. We define a twisted version of Neumann–Zagier matrices, describe their symplectic properties, and show how to compute them from the combinatorics of an ideal triangulation. As a sample application, we use them to define a twisted version of the 1-loop invariant (a topological invariant) which determines the 1-loop invariant of the cyclic covers of a hyperbolic knot complement, and conjecturally is equal to the adjoint twisted Alexander polynomial.
The Respondent-Type Matching-to-Sample Procedure: A Comparison of One-to-Many and Linear Procedure for Establishing Equivalence Responding
Authors: Todd Jonathan , Keenan Mickey , Gallagher Stephen
Published: September 2023

Stimulus equivalence research is dominated by operant conditioning procedures that require the active responding of a participant to establish relations between arbitrary stimuli. In comparison, there has been relatively little research using respondent-type procedures, which only require the participant to view relations that appear on screen. This presentation describes two experiments using a respondent-type matching-to-sample procedure to examine the effect of the one-to-many (OTM) training procedure and the linear procedure on equivalence class formation. The OTM procedure was extremely effective in generating equivalence responding, however the linear procedure was not. These findings are discussed in the context of previous research comparing the two training procedures, as well as the effectiveness of previous respondent procedures.
Centrality in the macroeconomic multi-network explains the spatiotemporal distribution of country per-capita income
Authors: Fagiolo Giorgio , Luzzati Davide Samuele
Published: September 2023

This paper empirically investigates the role played by cross-country spillovers in shaping spatiotemporal differences in country income. While existing literature focused on effects captured by direct spillovers with partner countries only, here we take a complex network perspective to explore whether the global embeddedness of countries in the macroeconomic multi-network may significantly impact income, net of country local characteristics such as local foreign exposure. We employ data for the period 2000–2020 to build a time sequence of 3-layer multi graphs, with countries as nodes and links weighted by the intensity of bilateral relations in international trade, finance and human migration. Using panel-regression techniques, we then ask if country (eigenvector) centrality in the multi network can account for parts of the observed heterogeneity in country per-capita income, both cross-sectionally and over time. Robustly across a number of alternative specifications of the empirical model, we find that being more central significantly boosts country income. This implies that income-enhancing technological spillovers are not only channeled via local exposure, but also through indirect interactions with more distant nodes.
Understanding Pressures to Archaeological Heritage in the Face of Climate Change: An Integrated Approach to Coastal-Zone Assessments in Ireland
Authors: Jones Jennifer E. , Pollard Edward , Craven Kieran , Barry James , Corns Anthony , Henry Sandra , Shaw Robert , Shine Linda , Baker Louise
Published: September 2023

Coastal heritage and archaeological sites are part of a complex system of socioenvironmental processes whose conditions are placed at risk from increasing climate-change pressures and impacts. Cultural-heritage managers are working to increase understanding of these pressures and create ways to assess, mitigate, and/or adapt to change. Coastal-zone assessments (CZA) are a recognized methodology in several national management plans to gather detailed data in order to provide an informed assessment of current resources and any associated hazards and risks. A collaborative and innovative partnership is seeking to expand on current CZA models by integrating social, historical, and geomorphological criteria into archaeological site assessment, with aims toward the development of a resource-priority index for coastal-heritage managers in Ireland.
10‐session Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT-T) for Eating Disorders: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis
Authors: Paphiti Andreas , Newman Emily
Published: September 2023

To review the literature examining the effectiveness and efficacy of a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for eating disorders delivered in ten sessions for those who are not underweight (CBT-T). A systematic search of the literature (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Scopus and ProQuest) was conducted to identify relevant publications to date at the time of March 2022 (re-run in May 2023). Intervention studies of any study design that investigated CBT-T offering outcome data at least pre- to post- intervention for eating disorder and related outcomes were included. Results were reported for treatment attrition, abstinence, remission, eating disorder psychopathology, disordered eating behaviours, psychosocial impairment, depression and anxiety and synthesised using a narrative synthesis framework. The Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) quality assessment tool (Thomas et al., 2004) was used to assess the quality of included studies. Outcomes for 555 people who received CBT-T across eight studies (one randomised control trial and seven non-randomised studies) were synthesised. Support was found for the effectiveness and efficacy of CBT-T for a range of non-underweight eating disorders, with respect to eating disorder psychopathology, disordered eating behaviours, psychosocial impairment, abstinence and remission. CBT-T also led to improvements for depression and anxiety symptoms. CBT-T appears to improve eating disorder and co-morbid outcomes for people with non-underweight eating disorders within ten sessions, with comparable results to standard-length CBT for eating disorders (CBT-ED). Although results for CBT-T are promising, there were concerns with the quality of the studies. Future research is required to strengthen the evidence base with larger, higher-quality studies which compare CBT-T directly with recommended psychological treatments, such as standard-length CBT-ED.
With Impressions Chosen from Another Time: Core Technologies and Debitage Production at the Lower Palaeolithic Site of Notarchirico (670–695 ka; layers F to I2)
Authors: Carpentieri Marco , Moncel Marie-Hélène , Eramo Giacomo , Arzarello Marta
Published: September 2023

The earliest evidence of bifaces in western Europe is dated to the initial phase of the Middle Pleistocene (la Noira, Notarchirico, Moulin Quignon, 700–670 ka), with the findings of Barranc de la Boella (1.0–0.9 Ma) considered to be an earlier local evolution. No transition assemblages are recorded during this time frame, and the “abrupt” appearance of bifaces during this time frame is associated with significant cognitive shifts in human technological behaviours (Acheulean techno-complex). The new investigations conducted at the site of Notarchirico unearthed 30 ka of repeated human occupation (695–670 ka, layers F-I2) during MIS 17, with evidence of bifacial tools in layer G (680 ka) and F along with other heavy-duty implements (LCTs, pebble tools, etc.). Massive production of debitage products realised on local raw materials collected in situ through simple and efficient core technologies characterises a large part of the lithic assemblage with a high ratio of diversified light-duty tools, including modified chert nodules. Despite core and flake assemblages being a recurrent trait of Lower Pleistocene contexts, the increase in retouched implements recorded at the onset of the Middle Pleistocene has been considered a significant technological shift. The technological analysis of the debitage products presented in this work highlights recurrent and systematic technological behaviours of the hominins of Notarchirico—who proved to efficiently overcome the raw materials dimensional constraints—even in the layers without bifaces. This may shed light on the meaning of cultural and behavioural innovation that the Acheulean techno-complex is thought to bring over Europe. It is plausible that given the substantial homogeneity of the lithic strategies within the sequence of Notarchirico, which only the “introduction” of the bifaces in the upper layers seems to interrupt, a supposed behavioural or cultural change in the site might have already occurred in the lowermost portion of the sequence. In this work, we evaluate the degree of change—if any—from a technological perspective by analysing the debitage reduction sequences.
Behind the Scenes of Co-designing AI and LA in K-12 Education
Authors: Sperling Katarina , Stenliden Linnéa , Nissen Jörgen , Heintz Fredrik
Published: September 2023

This article explores the complex challenges of co-designing an AI- and learning analytics (LA)-integrated learning management system (LMS). While co-design has been proposed as a human-centred design approach for scaling AI and LA adoption, our understanding of how these design processes play out in real-life settings remains limited. This study is based on ethnographic fieldwork in primary and secondary schools and employs a relational materialist approach to trace, visualise, and analyse the increasingly complex and transformative relations between a growing number of actors. The findings shed light on the intricate ecosystem in which AI and LA are being introduced and on the marketisation of K-12 education. Instead of following a rational and sequential approach that can be easily executed, the co-design process emerged as a series of events, shifting from solely generating ideas with teachers to integrating and commercialising the LMS into a school market with an already high prevalence of educational technology (EdTech). AI and LA in education, co-design and data-driven schooling served as negotiating ideas, boundary objects, which maintained connectivity between actors, despite limited AI and LA implementation and the development of a stand-alone app. Even though teachers and students were actively involved in the design decisions, the co-design process did not lead to extensive adoption of the LMS nor did it sufficiently address the ethical issues related to the unrestricted collection of student data.
The ‘Global Stocktake’ and the remaining carbon budgets for G20 countries to limit global temperature rise to +1.5 °C
Authors: Teske Sven
Published: September 2023

The G20 brings together the world's major economies. Its members represent 85% of global GDP, 75% of international trade, and two-thirds of the world's population. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the total remaining global carbon budget required to limit the world's temperature increase to 1.5 °C (with 67% likelihood) is 400 GtCO2, decreasing to 50% likelihood if emissions reach 500 GtCO2 between 2020 and 2050. The UNFCCC's ‘Global Stocktake’ addresses the distribution of the remaining carbon budget to countries and industry sectors, to assess the technical, financial, and policy measures required for decarbonization and the national and international responsibilities involved. In this paper, the decarbonization pathways for all G20 member countries with high technical resolution, are broken down into key industry sectors. The energy-related national carbon budgets necessary to maintain the remaining global carbon budget between 400 GtCO2 and 500 GtCO2 are calculated and a new methodology how a fair distribution can be achieved, considering the historical emissions and economic situations of all G20 countries is presented.
Accuracy of CBCT and intraoral scanner images for measuring tooth widths and Bolton’s ratio: a comparative study with gold standard (plaster models) in Duhok’s adult population
Authors: Khalil Salar Karim , Mudhir Anees Mahmood , Sirri Mohamad Radwan
Published: September 2023

The study aims to compare the accuracy and reliability of tooth width measurements and Bolton ratios among plaster models (PM), cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), and intraoral scanner (IOS). This three-way comparison has not been previously conducted in existing studies. Seventy-two patients (aged 19–36) were selected from the University of Duhok clinic. PM, CBCT, and IOS images were obtained. Tooth widths and Bolton ratios were measured on plaster models and digital models (CBCT and IOS mages). Reliability was assessed by repeating all measurements after one month by the same examiner. The measurement accuracy and reliability were assessed through Repeated Measures ANOVA and ICC analysis. ICC results showed reliable measurements of tooth widths for PM, CBCT, and IOS (R = 0.90, 0.98, and 0.99 respectively). P-values for tooth widths and Bolton ratios between groups were all > 0.05. The ICC analysis revealed a strong correlation between the measurements of tooth widths and Bolton ratios obtained through the three distinct methods. PM, CBCT, and IOS can be used interchangeably in orthodontic diagnosis for accurate and reliable measurement of tooth widths and Bolton ratios (anterior and overall).
Insect Frass as a Novel Organic Soil Fertilizer for the Cultivation of Spinach (Spinacia oleracea): Effects on Soil Properties, Plant Physiological Parameters, and Nutrient Status
Authors: Antoniadis Vasileios , Molla Aikaterini , Grammenou Aspasia , Apostolidis Vasileios , Athanassiou Christos G. , Rumbos Christos I. , Levizou Efi
Published: September 2023

Soils naturally low in organic matter need to be amended with recycled organic materials that would boost soil health. In this work, we tested insect frass, the excrements of the yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor, as a novel organic soil amendment in a spinach cultivation. In a 60-day pot experiment with spinach (Spinacia oleracea), we added frass at rates of 0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1%, as well as an inorganic nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) fertilizer as a positive control. We found that organic matter increased significantly from 2.7% in the unamended control to 3.2% in the treatment of 1% frass, showing that frass has a valuable role in boosting soil carbon (C). Also with increasing frass rates, N uptake by plant was enhanced, due to the fact that nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) remained unchanged. These findings exhibit the fact that added N was utilized satisfactorily. However, frass effectiveness was not successful in the case of added P and K: the likely reason is the already very high P and K available contents in the unamended soil. Spinach growth was significantly favored by the amendment of frass in a rate-dependent manner: the higher biomass accumulation was found under 1% frass—six-fold higher than NC, while even at 0.25% the yield was significantly higher. Plants at this treatment had the highest chlorophyll a + b content throughout the course of the experiment and also exhibited the highest photosynthetic efficiency and performance of the plant photosynthetic apparatus under frass treatments. The index of total photosynthetic efficiency (PItotal) also fared better in the frass-added treatments upwards from 0.25%. We conclude that frass is a highly valuable soil conditioner, given the amble organic C and N that adds to soil, resulting in boosted growth of spinach. As this report is a preliminary study, we suggest that future works should expand frass testing to (a) more plants, where a series of important plant physiology features must be evaluated, and (b) the role of frass in trace element availability.
Clinical experience and complications with limited pleural dissection combined with a novel, simplified technique for thoracic Redon-like drain in vertebral body tethering
Authors: Courvoisier Aurélien , Maximin Marie-Christine , Daniel Olivier , Gouron Richard , Evain Jean-Noël , Baroncini Alice
Published: September 2023

Purpose

To report on our experience with a simplified, suction-bottle-drain technique of thoracic drain (Redon-like) combined with fully thoracoscopic vertebral body tethering (VBT) and a limited pleural approach, with particular focus on the rate of pulmonary complications.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed on all consecutive patients who underwent VBT for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. For all subjects, a 10G Redon drain, an active drain system consisting of a perforated tube and a suction bottle, was placed intrathoracically and tunneled under the skin. All drains were removed on the first postoperative day. Perioperative and postoperative data such as type of access, length of surgery, amount of fluid collection in the drain, and length of hospital stay were collected. The type and number of pulmonary complications occurring in the first 3 months after surgery, along with their symptoms and management, were recorded.

Results

One Hundred eighty-two patients were included in the analysis. The mean length of surgery was 97 min (75–120). The average fluid collection in the drain was 30 ml (5–50), the mean length of hospital stay was 3 days (2–4). During the observation period, pulmonary complications occurred in five patients (2%). Two patients presented an aseptic right pleural effusion; for two patients, a residual pneumothorax was diagnosed on the X-rays in the recovery room and one patient developed a chylothorax. All patients recovered without sequelae.

Conclusion

The simplified, Redon-like drain combined with a fully thoracoscopic VBT and limited pleural approach seems a safe and effective alternative to the chest drain. This technique allows to remove the drain on the first postoperative day, thus simplifying the management of the patients and improving their comfort.
Challenges of current treatment and exploring the future prospects of nanoformulations for treatment of atopic dermatitis
Authors: Kakkar Vandita , Saini Komal , Singh Kamalinder K.
Published: September 2023

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a predominant and deteriorating chronic inflammation of the skin, categorized by a burning sensation and eczematous lesions in diverse portions of the body. The treatment of AD is exclusively focused to limit the itching, reduce inflammation, and repair the breached barrier of the skin. Several therapeutic agents for the treatment and management of AD have been reported and are in use in clinics. However, the topical treatment of AD has been an unswerving challenge for the medical fraternity owing to the impaired skin barrier function in this chronic skin condition. To surmount the problems of conventional drug delivery systems, numerous nanotechnology-based formulations are emerging as alternative new modalities for AD. Latter enhances the bioavailability and delivery to the target disease site, improves drug permeation and therapeutic efficacy with reduced systemic and off-target side effects, and thus improves patient health and promotes compliance. This review aims to describe the various pathophysiological events involved in the occurrence of AD, current challenges in treatment, evidence of molecular markers of AD and its management, combinatorial treatment options, and the intervention of nanotechnology-based formulations for AD therapeutics.

Graphical abstract
Time-Dependent Increase in Medial Meniscus Extrusion Predicts the Need for Meniscal Repair in Patients with Partial Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Tears: A Case–Control Study
Authors: Kawada Koki , Furumatsu Takayuki , Tamura Masanori , Xue Haowei , Higashihara Naohiro , Kintaka Keisuke , Yokoyama Yusuke , Ozaki Toshifumi
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to compare medial meniscus extrusion (MME) in patients with partial medial meniscus posterior root tears (MMPRTs) through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) conducted at two-time points and to determine whether patient characteristics or MME measurements differ in patients who respond to nonoperative treatment compared with those who require surgical treatment.

Methods

Thirty-seven patients with partial MMPRTs underwent two MRI scans during nonoperative management or before pull-out repair. Among these, 17 patients received nonoperative management, and 20 underwent pull-out repair. Partial MMPRTs were diagnosed based on the MRI findings. MME measurements were performed on both MRI scans. Statistical and receiver operating curve (ROC) analyses were performed.

Results

The duration between the two MRI scans was significantly shorter in the pull-out repair group than in the nonoperative management group. The increase in MME (ΔMME) on MRI scans was significantly greater in the pull-out repair group than in the nonoperative management group. Linear regression analysis revealed a weak correlation between the MRI interval and ΔMME in the nonoperative management group and a moderate correlation in the pull-out repair group. In the ROC construction, the cut-off value for ΔMME that requires surgical intervention was 0.41 mm, with a sensitivity and specificity of 85.0% and 52.9%, respectively.

Conclusion

Patients with partial MMPRTs requiring surgical treatment had greater MME progression in a shorter time and a time-dependent increase in MME. Therefore, a ΔMME of ≥ 0.41 mm may be useful in deciding surgical intervention based on MRI retests.

Level of evidence

III.
Multi-Symplectic Simulation on Soliton-Collision for Nonlinear Perturbed Schrödinger Equation
Authors: Zhang Peijun , Hu Weipeng , Wang Zhen , Qiao Zhijun
Published: September 2023

Seeking solitary wave solutions and revealing their interactional characteristics for nonlinear evolution equations help us lot to comprehend the motion laws of the microparticles. As a local nonlinear dynamic behavior, the soliton-collision is difficult to be reproduced numerically. In this paper, the soliton-collision process in the nonlinear perturbed Schrödinger equation is simulated employing the multi-symplectic method. The multi-symplectic formulations are derived including the multi-symplectic form and three local conservation laws of the nonlinear perturbed Schrödinger equation. Employing the implicit midpoint rule, we construct a multi-symplectic scheme, which is equivalent to the Preissmann box scheme, for the nonlinear perturbed Schrödinger equation. The elegant structure-preserving properties of the multi-symplectic scheme are illustrated by the tiny maximum absolute residual of the discrete multi-symplectic structure at each time step in the numerical simulations. The effects of the perturbation strength on the soliton-collision in the nonlinear perturbed Schrödinger equation are reported in the numerical results in detail.
Grading Embolization of Middle Meningeal Artery for Chronic Subdural Hematoma
Authors: Jai Shankar , Zul Kaderali
Published: September 2023

Background and Purpose:

Embolization of middle meningeal artery (EMMA) is a relatively new treatment for chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). To date, an objective method that assesses or describes the extent of EMMA for the treatment of CSDH does not exist. Recently, the concept of a novel grading scale for EMMA in patients with CSDH has emerged. However, this has not been applied to a clinical case setting and inter-rater reliability has not yet been studied. The purpose of this study was to validate the grading scale in clinical practice and to assess for inter-rater reliability.

Materials and Methods:

We retrospectively examined consecutive patients who underwent EMMA for CSDH. Patients were included if the whole head angiogram from common carotid as well as external carotid arteries before and after EMMA were available in the arterial, capillary as well as venous phases. Two independent readers, each with more than 5 years of experience in independent practice, assessed the angiograms for the grading of EMMA and assigned a score ranging between 0 and 3. The grading score between the two readers were compared using Cohen’s Kappa score to assess the inter-rater reliability.

Results:

In 19 patients, we found that EMMA had no periprocedural morbidity and mortality. The number of cases in each EMMA grading score category are as follows: 0 n =1; 1 n =3; 2 n =1; and 3 n =10. There was substantial inter-rater reliability for the assessment of grading of EMMA (Kappa = 0.74).

Conclusions:

The novel EMMA grading scheme demonstrated substantial inter-rater reliability and appears promising.
Les Développements en droit interaméricain pour l’année 2022
Authors: Duhaime Bernard , Dyck Stéfan
Published: September 2023

Au sein de l’Organisation des États américains (OÉA),1la Commission interaméricaine des Droits de l’Homme (CIDH) et la Cour interaméricaines des Droits de l’Homme sont les deux principaux organes chargés de veiller à la protection des droits de la personne dans les Amériques.2Ces instances sont habilitées à instruire des recours individuels intentés contre des États membres et portant sur des allégations de violations de laConvention américaine relative aux Droits de l’Homme(CADH)3et d’autres instruments interaméricains applicables.4La présente chronique portera sur certaines décisions rendues par la cour pendant l’année 2022.
The Fragility of Peace: Song China's Northwestern Frontier and Erosion of the Chanyuan Paradigm in the Mid-Eleventh Century
Authors: Smith Paul Jakov
Published: September 2023

The Chanyuan Covenant of 1005 that ended decades of war between Song and Liao precipitated a new political model that, from the Song perspective, exchanged wealth, territory, and dynastic pride in return for peace along the northern frontier, civilian sovereignty over a long-dominant military class, and the replacement of a culture of arms with the love of books. That “Chanyuan Paradigm” survived the Qingli war of 1040–1044 with the Tangut Xi Xia, but was steadily overturned in the expansionist wars promoted by Shenzong and his sons from 1068 through the fall of the Northern Song in 1127. This article argues that the fragility of the Chanyuan-style peace did not stem from the aspirations of a revanchist emperor and his confidantes, but was rather the consequence of the intrinsic difficulties of maintaining peace in a world of new players, internecine political contests, and shifting geopolitical alliances that characterized the mid-eleventh century.
A history of thalidomide in India
Authors: Wimmelbücker Ludger , Kar Anita
Published: September 2023

In contrast to the well-known stories of the embryotoxic drug, thalidomide, in countries where it was responsible for large numbers of birth defects, there is limited information on its history in India. Its presence before 2002, when the country issued the first marketing licence for a thalidomide-containing preparation, is assumed to be negligible. This article challenges this view by showing that the drug entered the Indian subcontinent through the former Portuguese territory of Goa around 1960. We examine the subsequent development of its distribution, use and regulation in India from the mid-1960s up to the present situation. Colonial legacies are a crucial explanation for the early appearance of thalidomide on the Indian subcontinent. They also influenced its re-emergence as drug for treating leprosy reactions in India after 1965. We identify key actors in this process: the original German producer that delivered thalidomide free of charge, European doctors who worked for international non-governmental organizations, the World Health Organization (WHO), which supported clinical trials and later discouraged the use of the drug, and finally the Indian state institutions that limited its distribution and later quickly opened the way for the private sector to produce and market thalidomide and its analogues. Finally, we discuss the risk of thalidomide-induced birth defects by casting a critical look on the present state of regulatory provisions and the monitoring of birth defects in India.
Fraud Transmission Mechanisms within Community: Peer Concealing and Hinting among Chinese Listed Corporations
Authors: Zhang Jing , Feng Yuan , Bai Yuntao , Lin Yongjian
Published: September 2023

We explored the transmission mechanisms of corporate fraud and its punishments within social network communities. Using fraud triangle theory and trust triangle theory, we hypothesize four transmitting channels of how fraud commission and detection are affected by peers’ fraud and punishment. Based on Chinese listed corporations from 2008 to 2018, we first construct and detect interlocked social network communities with a community-detecting algorithm, and then examine hypotheses using a bivariate probit model with partial observability. Our findings indicate that peer-concealing and -hinting effects exist within social network communities. The peer-concealing effect decreases the likelihood of being detected when committing fraud, for those with more and closer fraudulent peers. The peer-hinting effect increases the likelihood of being detected when committing fraud, for those with more and closer punished peers. There is no evidence to support peer-contagion and vicarious-punishment effects. Thus, an improved understanding of the transmission mechanism of corporate fraud commission and detection within communities is provided to prevent and detect corporate fraud. In addition, stakeholders and regulators should be aware of the deviant subculture and social distancing in social network communities.