bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Status of waste disposal of sharps outside medical institutions for patients with diabetes: A systematic review
Authors: Wu Jingwen , Wang Min , Yan Hong
Published: November 2023

Objectives

As the number of people with diabetes increases, so does the amount of household-generated sharp waste, and incorrect sharp disposal methods can expose the public to needle stick injuries This systematic study assesses the relevant factors and current situation of the disposal of sharp waste in diabetes patients.

Methods

In this review, our study comprehensively searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, and China Biomedical, Wanfang, and CNKI for the concepts of "sharps waste disposal" and "diabetes".

Result

In 12 identified articles, there are 4155 patients with diabetes. The findings highlight that diabetic patients have a positive attitude towards sharps waste disposal, but lack knowledge and practice of sharps waste disposal, and need to take appropriate measures to improve the rate of proper waste disposal before and during use. Patients with longer duration of diabetes are more likely to engage in inappropriate sharps disposal behaviors.

Conclusions

The findings emphasize that the majority of diabetic patients are unable to handle sharps safely, so more research is needed to find factors associated with sharps waste disposal in diabetic patients and to focus on sharps waste disposal behaviors in patients with longer duration of disease in future clinical practice.

Trial registration

PROSPERO ID. The review was registered on PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42023427592) https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023427592.
Which institutional investors can improve the level of corporate ESG information disclosure?
Authors: Wang Jianye , Ke Yubing , Zhang Huixue , Cheng Yusi
Published: November 2023

The inconsistency of existing findings on the relationship between institutional investors’ shareholdings and the level of corporate Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) disclosure may lie in the insufficient consideration of the heterogeneity of institutional investors and investee firms. In this paper, from the perspective of institutional investor heterogeneity, we use a two-way fixed effects model to examine the impact of institutional investors on corporate ESG disclosure and the possible mechanism of this impact using a sample of Chinese A-share-listed firms from 2012 to 2020. We show that institutional investor shareholding can improve the level of corporate ESG information disclosure by enhancing auditor supervision and analyst attention to these external supervision. In terms of institutional investor heterogeneity, it is found that independent institutional investors and stable institutional investors play a stronger role in promoting the level of ESG information disclosure. Moreover, the positive net effect of the institutional investors on improving the level of ESG information disclosure is more pronounced in non-heavily polluting industries and state-owned enterprises. This paper enriches the impact of institutional investors’ shareholding on corporate ESG disclosure from a heterogeneity perspective.
Preclinical safety evaluation of continuous UV-A lighting in an operative setting
Authors: Guenter Rachael , Zheng-Pywell Rui , Herring Brendon , Murphy Madisen , Foote Jeremy , Benner Kevin , Rose J. Bart
Published: November 2023

Background

Germicidal ultraviolet (UV-C) light has been shown as an effective modality for disinfection in laboratory settings and in the operative room. Traditionally, short-wavelength UV-C devices, which have previously been shown to cause DNA damage, are utilized only for disinfection in pre- and post-operative settings and are not continuously active during operations. Continuous use of intraoperative UV light has potential to decrease pathogens and subsequent surgical site infections (SSIs), which arise in approximately 5–15% of operative cases. SSIs are a significant determinant of patient morbidity, readmission rates, and overall cost. Therefore, a method of UV light disinfection with a low risk of DNA damage is needed so that greater antimicrobial protection can be afforded to patients during the entirety of their surgical procedures. A new disinfection device that harnesses longer-wavelength UV-A light to disinfect the surgical field throughout the entirety of the procedure, including pre- and post-operation has been developed.

Methods

This study aimed to determine if UV-A light administered intraoperatively was safe, as defined by the minimal presence of DNA damage and safe amounts of reflection upon medical personnel. Using in vitro models, we examined the differential impacts of UV-C and UV-A light on DNA damage and repair pathways. In a murine model, we looked at the production of DNA damage photoproduction in relation to UV-A versus UV-C exposure.

Results

Our results show UV-A light does not induce a significant amount of DNA damage at the cellular or tissue level. Furthermore, a preclinical porcine study showed that surgical personnel were exposed to safe levels of UV-A irradiance from an overhead UV-A light used during an operation. The amount of UV-A transmitted through surgical personal protective equipment (PPE) also remained within safe levels.

Conclusions

In conclusion, we found that UV-A may be safe for intraoperative use.
Association of biomarkers of enteric dysfunction, systemic inflammation, and growth hormone resistance with seroconversion to oral rotavirus vaccine: A lasso for inference approach
Authors: Mwila-Kazimbaya Katayi , Bosomprah Samuel , Chilyabanyama Obvious Nchimunya , Chisenga Caroline Cleopatra , Chibuye Mwelwa , Laban Natasha Makabilo , Simuyandi Michelo , Huffer Bert , Iturriza-Gomara Miren , Choy Robert K. M. , Chilengi Roma
Published: November 2023

Background

Rotavirus gastroenteritis remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality despite the introduction of vaccines. Research shows there are several factors contributing to the reduced efficacy of rotavirus vaccines in low- and middle-income settings. Proposed factors include environmental enteric dysfunction (EED), malnutrition, and immune dysfunction. This study aimed to assess the effect of these factors on vaccine responses using a machine learning lasso approach.

Methods

Serum samples from two rotavirus clinical trials (CVIA 066 n = 99 and CVIA 061 n = 124) were assessed for 11 analytes using the novel Micronutrient and EED Assessment Tool (MEEDAT) multiplex ELISA. Immune responses to oral rotavirus vaccines (Rotarix, Rotavac, and Rotavac 5D) as well as a parenteral rotavirus vaccine (trivalent P2-VP8) were also measured and machine learning using the lasso approach was then applied to investigate any associations between immune responses and environmental enteric dysfunction, systemic inflammation, and growth hormone resistance biomarkers.

Results

Both oral and parenteral rotavirus vaccine responses were negatively associated with retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4), albeit only weakly for oral vaccines. The parenteral vaccine responses were positively associated with thyroglobulin (Tg) and histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP2) for all three serotypes (P8, P6 and P4), whilst intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) was negatively associated with P6 and P4, but not P8, and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) was positively associated with P6 only.

Conclusion

MEEDAT successfully measured biomarkers of growth, systemic inflammation, and EED in infants undergoing vaccination, with RBP4 being the only analyte associated with both oral and parenteral rotavirus vaccine responses. Tg and HRP2 were associated with responses to all three serotypes in the parenteral vaccine, while I-FABP and sTfR results indicated possible strain specific immune responses to parenteral immunization.
Quercus wutaishanica shrub affects temperate forest community composition and soil properties under different restoration stage
Authors: Kang Peng , Cheng Jiming , Hu Jinpeng , Jing Yongshun , Wang Jing , Yang Hui , Ding Xiaodong , Yan Xingfu
Published: November 2023

Quercus wutaishanica is the dominant tree species in the natural ecosystem restoration of temperate forests in China, and it plays an active role in maintaining ecological balance. However, little is known about how ecosystem versatility develops during the restoration of forest ecosystems dominated by Q. wutaishanica. In this study, we investigated the species composition of the Q. wutaishanica community, soil nutrients, and their functional traits at various restoration stages, and comprehensively analyzed the correlations among them. At the early stage of restoration (10 years of restoration), there were Spiraea pubescens and Syringa pubescens in Q. wutaishanica community (87% of the total species), while had a larger niche width. In the middle of restoration (30 years of restoration), shannon and evenness indices were the largest, while soil total carbon, ammonium nitrogen and chlorophyll content of Q. wutaishanica leaves were the highest; among them, soil total carbon was 15.7% higher than that in 10 years of restoration, 32.4% higher than that in 40 years of restoration, ammonium nitrogen was 71.7% higher than that in 40 years of restoration, and chlorophyll content was 217.9% higher than that in 10 years of restoration, and 51.8% higher than that in 40 years of restoration. At the later stage of restoration (40 years of restoration), Lonicera ferdinandii occupied the dominant ecological niche, and soil available nitrogen, available phosphorus content and leaf thickness were the largest; while AN was 10.9% higher than that of 10 years of restoration, 16.5% higher than that of 30 years of restoration, AP was 60.6% higher than that of 10 years of restoration, 21.6% higher than that of 30 years of restoration, leaf thickness was 22.3% higher than that of 10 years of restoration, 84.9% higher than that of 30 years of restoration. However, the restriction of various soil nutrients was reduced. Our study highlighted the effectiveness of soil resource availability in plant communities during restoration, reduced competition for light among plants, and altered species richness. Furthermore, changes in the interrelationship between plant community composition and leaf functional traits of the dominant species responded positively to community restoration. These results further deepen our understanding of forest management and restoration of forest communities. In the future, it is necessary to comprehensively consider the influence of various factors on forest community restoration.
Alcohol policies in India: A scoping review
Authors: Schess Jaclyn , Bennett-Li Lydia , Velleman Richard , Bhatia Urvita , Catalano Alexander , Jambhale Abhijeet , Nadkarni Abhijit
Published: November 2023

Globally, alcohol consumption causes significant societal harm and is a leading risk factor for death and disability in adults. In India, 3.7% of all deaths and 3.1% disability adjusted life years (DALYs) can be attributed to alcohol. In the context of rapid economic development and emphasized by the COVID-19 pandemic, India’s lack of a consolidated and comprehensive alcohol policy has posed significant challenges to addressing this harm. In this context, the aim of our review was to undertake a comprehensive mapping of the State and national policy environment surrounding alcohol and its use in India, based on an analysis of policy documents. We did this though a scoping review of academic and grey literature, which helped to iteratively identify the websites of 15 international organizations, 21 Indian non-governmental organizations, and eight Indian Federal governmental organizations as well as State/Union Territory government sites, to search for relevant policy documents. We identified 19 Federal policy documents and 36 State level policy documents within which we have identified the specific policy measures which address the 10 categories of the World Health Organization’s Global Action Plan to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol. We found that there are major gaps in regulation of marketing and price controls, with much of this controlled by the States. In addition, regulation of availability of alcohol varies widely throughout the country, which is also a policy area controlled locally by States. Through the clear elucidation of the current policy environment surrounding alcohol in India, policy makers, researchers and advocates can create a clearer roadmap for future reform.
Impact of PARP inhibitor maintenance therapy in newly diagnosed advanced epithelial ovarian cancer: A meta-analysis
Authors: Lee Banghyun , Chang Suk-Joon , Kwon Byung Su , Son Joo-Hyuk , Lim Myong Cheol , Kim Yun Hwan , Lee Shin-Wha , Choi Chel Hun , Eoh Kyung Jin , Lee Jung-Yun , Suh Dong Hoon , Kim Yong Beom
Published: November 2023

Objectives

This meta-analysis was undertaken to systematically evaluate the effects of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor (PARPi) maintenance therapy on the survival of newly diagnosed advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients.

Methods/Materials

A systematic literature search revealed 3,227 studies. A subsequent selection process identified seven suitable randomized studies that assessed the survival outcomes in newly diagnosed advanced EOC patients administered PARPi (n = 1921; the PARPi group) or placebo (n = 1150; the placebo group). The survival outcomes were compared with respect to the PARPi treatment regardless of bevacizumab maintenance therapy. All adverse events ≥ grade 3 were analyzed. Review Manager Version 5.4.1 software was used for the meta-analysis.

Results

The two-year progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly better in the PARPi group than the placebo (Hazard ratio [HR], 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41 to 0.68). Furthermore, patients in the PARPi group with the BRCA1/2 mutation (BRCAm), BRCA wild type, homologous-recombination deficiency (HRD), or HRD without BRCAm, but not with homologous-recombination proficiency had a significantly better two-year PFS than the patients in the placebo group. The five-year overall survival (OS) was comparable in the two groups, but patients in the PARPi group with BRCAm had a significantly better five-year OS than those in the placebo group (HR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.74). In addition, the adverse event rate (≥ grade 3) was significantly higher in the PARPi group than in the placebo group (HR, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.13 to 7.63).

Conclusions

In patients with newly diagnosed advanced EOC, PARPi maintenance therapy was significantly more effective in terms of survival than no PARPi treatment. However, the risk of serious adverse events was higher for patients who received PARPi maintenance therapy.
Redesigning cultural identity in Euro-Arctic Russia
Authors: Sharova Ekaterina
Published: November 2023

The starting point for this article is The Living North project conducted by the non-governmental organization Arctic Art Institute in Arkhangelsk, Russia, in 2019–21. The project team digitized archives of the crafts factory, Belomorskie Uzory (‘The White Sea patterns’), for the first time and through art-based participatory research revealed the existing challenges of the industry, communicating marginalized knowledge and creating new social choreographies. The case of reviving tacit knowledge and re-creating narratives in the context of the hypercentralized knowledge production of Euro-Arctic Russia is discussed in the article. The rapid modernization of the first half of the twentieth century led to radical changes of everyday life, including the disappearance of tacit knowledge, erosion of memory and cultural identity of northerners. In 1968, during Khrushchev’s ‘ottepel’, a crafts factory Belomorskie Uzory opened in Arkhangelsk with the goal to document and restore decaying crafts and fashion design from Euro-Arctic Russia. In the article, I discuss the case of the factory in light of decolonial and ecofeminist theory with a particular focus on fashion. The project shows that art-based participatory research strategies stimulate dialogical relations between the factory and young fashion designers and artists, leading to the revitalization of communities in the North.
O processo de reconstituição do acesso à documentação do Arquivo do Serviço de Beneficência da Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian
Authors: Ferreira Fernandes Rita Emília
Published: November 2023

O Serviço de Beneficência da Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian, um dos quatro serviços fundadores, ficou responsável pela gestão dos subsídios concedidos a instituições nomeadas por Calouste Gulbenkian no seu testamento, pela coordenação dos novos pedidos de subsídios, assim como dar respostas a situações inesperadas que provocaram fragilidades numa determinada comunidade em território nacional e internacional. O arquivo desta unidade orgânica, à guarda do Arquivo da Fundação permite não só acompanhar a miríade de processos de subsídios individuais e coletivos, que ao longo das várias décadas de atividades beneficiaram várias iniciativas, como também as mudanças de direção e designação ao longo do tempo[1]. Partindo do estudo do arquivo do Serviço de Beneficência, pretendeu-se questionar o seu contexto de produção e referenciação. Este trabalho para além de se empenhar na descrição do processo de reconstituição do acesso à documentação, procura perscrutar e decifrar as lógicas, à primeira vista paradoxais, dos códigos utilizados por aquela unidade orgânica. Dedica-se ainda a uma reflexão aprofundada sobre a decalagem entre a cultura administrativa e a arquivística, que pode levar a perdas de conhecimento significativas, sendo assim perspetivadas estratégias de mitigação.

[1] Em 1971 o Serviço de Beneficência passa a denominar-se Serviço de Saúde e Proteção Social (SSPS), sendo que de 2001 a 2013 foi denominado por Serviço de Saúde e Desenvolvimento Humano (SSDH).
Landscape architectural documents in personal archives, an added challenge
Authors: Fonseca Maria João
Published: November 2023

Incorporating architectural records into thematic archival institutions has been a common practice since the 1970s, a trend that has recently accelerated in the Portuguese context. The uniqueness of certain architectural records and collections has been an archival challenge, reflected by the several attempts to standardize their description in an ongoing process since the 1980s. While acknowledging the crucial work done by these institutions in preserving documents, there is also a tendency to focus on preserving fragments of an information system, which can have pernicious effects on understanding archives.

In an attempt to understand the composition and organization of archives in the field of landscape architecture and how they can restrict or distort archival classification and knowledge, a brief comparative analysis is conducted on the corpus of documentation of three archives under the custody of thematic institutions. For enhanced understanding, a concise overview of the discipline of landscape architecture and the roles played by its practitioners is provided. This comparative analysis attempts to demonstrate how a thematic approach, breaking organic ties, even if indelible, or underestimating lesser-known contexts or producer activities, can restrict or distort archival classification and knowledge.

The focus on Gonçalo Ribeiro Telles's archive and its ongoing organization, along with the analysis of a drawing from this archive, aims to demonstrate the need for a transition, especially in specialized or thematic institutions, from the construction of professional collections or archives to a focus on personal archives, which are organic aggregations of individuals who, during their lifetimes, also bequeathed records related to landscape architecture.
Multiplex allele-specific polymerase chain reaction-based prevalence study of canine trapped neutrophil syndrome in Thailand
Authors: Lerdkrai Chommanad , Phungphosop Nuch
Published: November 2023

Background and Aim: Trapped neutrophil syndrome (TNS) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder found in Border Collies and is characterized by peripheral neutropenia and myeloid hyperplasia of bone marrow. The underlying cause of TNS is associated with a 4-base pair deletion mutation in the vacuolar protein sorting 13 homolog B (VPS13B) gene. In this study, we proposed and validated a novel multiplex allele specific-polymerase chain reaction (MAS-PCR) technique to assess the prevalence of TNS using VPS13B genotypes of Border Collies and Thai Ridgebacks in Thailand.

Materials and Methods: We assessed the prevalence of TNS in 100 Border Collies and 30 Thai Ridgebacks using MAS-PCR-based allelic discrimination technique of the VPS13B gene. We then confirmed the VPS13B genotypes by direct DNA sequencing.

Results: A total of 130 samples were successfully genotyped using MAS-PCR assays. Of the two dog breeds examined, the VPS13B mutation was present in Border Collies, whereas Thai Ridgebacks were unaffected by this mutation. In Border Collies, 96% of dogs tested had an intact VPS13B genotype, whereas the remaining individuals had a heterozygous mutation genotype, with prevalence and mutated VPS13B allele frequencies of 4% and 2%, respectively.

Conclusion: Using a novel MAS-PCR assay targeting the VPS13B gene, this study demonstrates for the first time that carriers of TNS exist in Border Collies in Thailand. This assay is a reliable and cost-effective tool for diagnosing TNS based on VPS13B genotypes and is suitable for routine clinical practice.

Keywords: Border Collie, multiplex allele specific-polymerase chain reaction assay, Thai Ridgeback, trapped neutrophil syndrome, vacuolar protein sorting 13 homolog B genotype.
Risk of Esophageal Cancer in Achalasia: A Matched Cohort Study Using the Nationwide Veterans Affairs Achalasia Cohort
Authors: Low Eric E. , Demb Joshua , Shah Shailja C. , Liu Lin , Bustamante Ranier , Yadlapati Rena , Gupta Samir
Published: November 2023

INTRODUCTION:

Achalasia is a postulated risk factor of esophageal cancer (EC); however, EC-associated risk in achalasia is understudied. We aimed to evaluate EC risk among individuals within the nationwide Veterans Affairs Achalasia Cohort.

METHODS:

We conducted a matched cohort study among US veterans aged 18 years or older from 1999 to 2019. Individuals with achalasia were age matched and sex matched 1:4 to individuals without achalasia. Follow-up continued from study entry until diagnosis with incident/fatal EC (primary outcome), death from non–EC-related causes, or end of the study follow-up (December 31, 2019). Association between achalasia and EC risk was examined using Cox regression models.

RESULTS:

We included 9,315 individuals in the analytic cohort (median age 55 years; 92% male): 1,863 with achalasia matched to 7,452 without achalasia. During a median 5.5 years of follow-up, 17 EC occurred (3 esophageal adenocarcinoma, 12 squamous cell carcinoma, and 2 unknown type) among individuals with achalasia, compared with 15 EC (11 esophageal adenocarcinoma, 1 squamous cell carcinoma, and 3 unknown type) among those without achalasia. EC incidence for those with achalasia was 1.4 per 1,000 person-years, and the median time from achalasia diagnosis to EC development was 3.0 years (Q1–Q3: 1.3–9.1). Individuals with achalasia had higher cumulative EC incidence at 5, 10, and 15 years of follow-up compared with individuals without achalasia, and EC risk was 5-fold higher (hazard ratio 4.6, 95% confidence interval: 2.3–9.2).

DISCUSSION:

Based on substantial EC risk, individuals with achalasia may benefit from a high index of suspicion and endoscopic surveillance for EC.
How to Improve on the Gray’s Index for Accounting Conservatism
Authors: Biondi Yuri
Published: November 2023

The Gray’s index has been used to compare accounting variables such as earnings in a sample of financial accounting figures since its introduction by Gray (Gray, S. J. 1980. “The Impact of International Accounting Differences from a Security-Analysis Perspective: Some European Evidence.” Journal of Accounting Research 18 (1): 64–76), in view to indicate the relative degree of accounting conservatism between sets of accounting standards. This note aims to improve on this index especially when variables under investigation can be negative. In the latter case, proportionality between the two variables may be hidden by its application. We suggest therefore some amendments to better show this proportionality and improve on statistical comparison of accounting figures generated by alternative sets of accounting standards.
Digitalisierung, soziale Klasse und Corona
Authors: Niehoff Steffen , Holst Hajo
Published: November 2023

Als Beitrag zur Forschung über Ungleichheiten in der Digitalisierung von Arbeit beschäftigt sich der Artikel mit dem pandemiebedingten Homeoffice. Mit Hilfe des Klassenansatzes von Daniel Oesch wird untersucht, welchen Einfluss die berufliche Position auf die Organisation des digital ermöglichten ortsflexiblen Arbeitens in der Corona-Krise hat. Anhand von logistischen Regressionen wird gezeigt, dass die Klassenlage nicht nur wesentlich den Zugang zum Homeoffice und das Ausmaß des Arbeitens von zu Hause bestimmt. Die berufliche Position hat auch starken Einfluss auf die arbeitspolitische Qualität des Homeoffice, gemessen in den drei Dimensionen Heimarbeitsplatz, Steuerung und Vernetzung. Auffällig ist, dass die unteren Klassen beim Thema Homeoffice mehrfach unterprivilegiert sind: Beschäftigte in Ausbildungsberufen und Anlerntätigkeiten haben in der Pandemie deutlich geringere Chancen, von zu Hause zu arbeiten, und wenn sie doch die Gelegenheit haben, verbringen sie weniger Zeit im Homeoffice und tragen größere Risiken, unter schlechten arbeitspolitischen Bedingungen von zu Hause arbeiten zu müssen. Privilegiert sind hingegen die technischen Expert*innen, akademische Berufe mit technischem Hintergrund. Sie arbeiten häufiger und länger im Homeoffice als alle anderen Klassen und finden dort die besten arbeitspolitischen Bedingungen vor. Empirisch basiert der Beitrag auf qualitativen Interviews (n = 35) und einem Survey, an dem sich im Frühjahr 2021 und 2022 über 10.000 abhängig Beschäftigte beteiligten.
Optimization of railway entry and exit transition curves
Authors: Woznica Piotr
Published: November 2023

This work concerns the optimization of the shapes of railway entry and exit transition curves (TCs). In this work, mathematical optimization and simulation methods are used. The applied computer simulation concerned the behaviour of the dynamical model of a two-axle rail vehicle. A polynomial of degree n, where n = 9 and 11, was adopted as a TC in the performed analyses. Three radii of the circular arc were used in the work – 600, 1,200, and 2,000 m. The aim of the research was to find optimum TC shapes taking into account the adopted criteria and to compare them with each other.
Experimental study of the phase relations of the Fe–Pt–Ho ternary system at 500 °C
Authors: Peng Ling , Zhou YiFan , Xu Bo , Gao XinQiang , Gu Zheng-Fei , Xu Cheng-Fu
Published: November 2023

The phase relations of the Fe–Pt–Ho ternary system at 500 °C have been studied by using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy techniques. The Ho3Pt4 phase is stable at 500 °C, and the introduction of Fe does not cause the Ho3Pt4 phase to be decomposed into the two neighbouring phases HoPt and HoPt2. The single phase ranges of α-Fe, Fe3Pt, FePt, FePt3 and Pt in Fe–Pt binary system are from 0 to 10 at.% Pt, 14 to 32 at.% Pt, 33 to 63 at.% Pt, 66 to 78 at.% Pt, and 82 to 100 at.% Pt, respectively. The highest solid solubility of Ho in the α-Fe, Fe3Pt, FePt, FePt3 and (Pt, Fe) phases is less than 1.5 at.% Ho, 2 at.% Ho, 2 at.% Ho, 1.5 at.% Ho and 1.5 at.% Ho, respectively. The isothermal section at 500 °C of the Fe–Pt–Ho ternary alloy phase diagram has been constructed, which consists of 19 single-phase regions, 35 two-phase regions and 17 three-phase regions. No new ternary compounds were found.
Analysis of mechanical and water absorption properties of hybrid composites reinforced with micron-size bamboo fibers and ceramic particles
Authors: Tahir Danish , Abdul Karim Muhammad Ramzan , Hu Hong
Published: November 2023

Bamboo and its hybrid composites were made using the hand lay-up method to evaluate the change in mechanical and physical properties that occurred through filler addition. Density measurements and tensile test results showed an increment in values when a certain percentage of silicon carbide (SiC) was added. As the SiC percentage grows from 0 to 6 %, the density of the hybrid composite increases from 1.15 to 1.36 gm/cc whereas tensile strength increases from 37 MPa to 42 MPa when 4 wt% SiC is added in 20 wt% of the bamboo composite. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of tensile fractured samples further supported the improvement in tensile characteristics. To examine the impact and hardness characteristics, composites were subjected to the Charpy impact test and hardness test. 4 wt% of SiC addition in 20 wt% of the bamboo composite decreased the impact strength from 28.79 to 27.43 (×10−3 kJ/m2) and increased the hardness from 44 to 55 Hv. The composites’ water absorption behavior demonstrated that the addition of filler lifts the composite’s resistance to absorbing water, preserving the composites’ dimensional firmness and mechanical qualities.
Spin(8,C)-Higgs pairs over a compact Riemann surface
Authors: Antón-Sancho Álvaro
Published: November 2023

Let

X

X

be a compact Riemann surface of genus

g
≥
2

g\ge 2

,

G

G

be a semisimple complex Lie group and

ρ
:
G
→
GL

(

V

)

\rho :G\to {\rm{GL}}\left(V)

be a complex representation of

G

G

. Given a principal

G

G

-bundle

E

E

over

X

X

, a vector bundle

E

(

V

)

E\left(V)

whose typical fiber is a copy of

V

V

is induced. A

(

G
,
ρ

)

\left(G,\rho )

-Higgs pair is a pair

(

E
,
φ

)

\left(E,\varphi )

, where

E

E

is a principal

G

G

-bundle over

X

X

and

φ

\varphi

is a holomorphic global section of

E

(

V

)

⊗
L

E\left(V)\otimes L

,

L

L

being a fixed line bundle over

X

X

. In this work, Higgs pairs of this type are considered for

G
=
Spin

(

8
,
C

)

G={\rm{Spin}}\left(8,{\mathbb{C}})

and the three irreducible eight-dimensional complex representations which

Spin

(

8
,
C

)

{\rm{Spin}}\left(8,{\mathbb{C}})

admits. In particular, the reduced notions of stability, semistability, and polystability for these specific Higgs pairs are given, and it is proved that the corresponding moduli spaces are isomorphic, and a precise expression for the stable and not simple Higgs pairs associated with one of the three announced representations of

Spin

(

8
,
C

)

{\rm{Spin}}\left(8,{\mathbb{C}})

is described.
Teachers’ perceptions and lived experiences of challenges in culturally diverse classrooms: establishing an equitable school environment
Authors: Aydin Hasan
Published: November 2023

The increasing population of students of color in public school settings in the United States is a persistent challenge for White teachers teaching diverse student populations with students from racially, ethnically, culturally, and linguistically diverse families and communities of lower socioeconomic status to make learning more effective in their classrooms. This qualitative study aimed to identify the challenges in teaching students of diverse backgrounds in public school settings in a school district in Houston, the most ethnically diverse large metropolitan area in the United States. The study focused on the lived experiences with in-depth and semi-structured interviews conducted with 7 participants (6 females; 1 male) to gain insights into their perspectives and understand the essence of their experiences. The findings showed that the lack of language proficiency and trained teachers in culturally responsive teaching often create barriers to effective schooling. The findings emphasize the importance of culturally responsive teaching to prepare highly effective teachers to address the needs of an increasingly diverse student population in the United States.
Effect of fine fibers on secondary fibers and recycled paper
Authors: Zhang Ya , Liu Yuxin , Huang Jizhen , Li Kai , An Liangliang , Hu Jianquan , Lei Wanruo
Published: November 2023

Recycled paper has become increasingly used as a raw material in the paper industry. However, hornification limits its application. Herein, the effect of recycling on the mechanical properties and microstructure of khasi pine pulp was systematically studied. The mechanical properties deteriorated and water retention value decreased after recycling. X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that cellulose crystallinity increased and partial cocrystallization occurred on cellulose microfibrils. Through the analysis of the morphology of secondary fibers by FQA, the loss of fine fibers caused by each reuse was found. Using the filtration method to prepare the recycled paper reduced the loss of fine fibers and improved the mechanical properties, with the tensile strength of a sample prepared using a sand core filter unit for five cycles (8.37 MPa) being like that of a sample prepared using a paper machine after one cycle. The investigation of the internal structure of the paper showed that the retained fine fibers were bonded between the long fibers, promoting the bonding between the fibers. Fine fibers improve the curling and twisting of fibers to some extent, especially in the first three recycling cycles. The hornification phenomenon of recycled paper was studied from the viewpoint of the fiber components, which is important to promote the development and application prospect of recycled paper.
Properties of ultra-high-performance self-compacting fiber-reinforced concrete modified with nanomaterials
Authors: Althoey Fadi , Zaid Osama , Șerbănoiu Adrian A. , Grădinaru Cătălina M. , Sun Yao , Arbili Mohamed M. , Dunquwah Turki , Yosri Ahmed M.
Published: November 2023

Utilizing waste materials to produce sustainable concrete has substantial environmental implications. Furthermore, understanding the exceptional durability performance of ultra-high-performance concrete can minimize environmental impacts and retrofitting costs associated with structures. This study presents a systematic experimental investigation of eco-friendly ultra-high-performance self-compacting basalt fiber (BF)-reinforced concrete by incorporating waste nanomaterials, namely nano-wheat straw ash (NWSA), nano-sesame stalk ash (NSSA), and nano-cotton stalk ash (NCSA), as partial substitutes for Portland cement. The research evaluates the effects of varying dosages of nanomaterials (ranging from 5 to 15% as cement replacements) in the presence of BFs. Rheological properties were analyzed, including flow diameter, L-box, and V-funnel tests. Additionally, the study investigated compressive, splitting tensile, and flexural strengths, load-displacement behavior, ultrasonic pulse velocity, and durability performance of the ultra-high-performance self-compacting basalt fiber (BF)-reinforced concrete (UHPSCFRC) samples subjected to sulfate attack, freeze-thaw cycles, autogenous shrinkage, and exposure to temperatures of 150, 300, 450, and 600°C. Microstructural characteristics of the mixtures were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The findings reveal that self-compacting properties can be achieved in the UHPSCFRC by incorporating NWSA, NSSA, and NCSA. The presence of 10% NWSA significantly improved the mechanical properties of the UHPSCFRC, exhibiting more than 27.55% increase in compressive strength, 17.36% increase in splitting tensile strength, and 21.5% increase in flexural strength compared to the control sample. The UHPSCFRC sample with 10% NWSA demonstrated superior performance across all extreme durability tests, surpassing both the control and other modified samples. XRD analysis revealed the development of microcracking at temperatures of 450 and 600°C due to the evaporation of absorbed and capillary water and the decomposition of ettringites.
Smart Solutions for Heritage Sites: Florence and Yazd
Authors: Hatami Masud , Koramaz Turgay Kerem
Published: November 2023

Smart solutions in cultural heritage sites play an important role in both preserving traditional values and utilizing methods that combine modern technology and innovation. Smart solutions also have a significant role in promoting sustainability and enhancing the visitor experience. This study primarily focuses on management systems in cultural heritage sites and the use of effective smart solutions and digital technologies within these systems. By examining innovative initiatives in Florence, one of the leading cities in the field of digital technologies, methods used to address issues related to historical site management were identified. In addition to Florence, intelligent initiatives in the historical city of Yazd and their impact on its management were also discussed. Approaches to address challenges in managing historical sites were explored in the context of smart city components. In this context, the fundamental factors of cultural heritage management systems have been classified from the point of view of the components of a smart city, based on the Florence Management Plan. Thanks to the newly identified technologies and digital platforms, different methodologies were explained for each component. This approach allows us to understand the aspects of cultural heritage site management systems and the implementation plans addressing the issues for successful sites within the context of Smart City components.
Potential of Gd-based nanocomposites (GdFeO3) as photocatalysts for the degradation of organic pollutants: a review
Authors: Ali Fawad , Ikram Muhammad , Feng Zhang , Zahoor Muhammad , Khalil Muhammad Naveed
Published: November 2023

Gadolinium-based photocatalysts have gained interest in the past few years for their exceptional qualities and are currently being explored as potential photocatalysts for the degradation of organic pollutants and environment restoration. This review paper presents an in-depth examination of the photo-catalytic capabilities of Gadolinium-based nanoparticles (Gd-NPs) and their wide range of applications in the treatment of wastewater and other pollutants. The production processes, optimization variables, modifying procedures, diverse applications, and anti-stokes-up transformation features of Gd-NPs (GdFeO3) have been discussed. Furthermore, it also intends to better understand the redox properties, charge transport, bandgap tenability, blemish management and harmful effects of Gd photocatalysts. The disadvantages of Gadolinium-based small particles remained reviewed and addressed with modified approaches. These findings of literature suggest that Gd-NPs, nano-composite material/heterojunctions, or upconversion nanomaterials are being intensively reported in literature as photocatalytic materials. As a whole, this study offers light on current breakthroughs in Gd-based nanomaterials in regard to their uses in pollution elimination, and to control over environmental pollution and toxicity.
Bimetallic nanoparticles preparation from metallic organic frameworks, characterization and its applications in reclamation of textile effluents
Authors: Alam Sultan , Rahman Sher , Rahman Najeeb ur , Ilyas Muhammad , Ullah Shakir , Zahoor Muhammad , Umar Muhammad Naveed , Ullah Riaz , Ali Essam A.
Published: November 2023

Herein bimetallic nanoparticles of Co–Mn were prepared using metal-organic framework (CoMn2 (C2O4)3·6H2O) as a starting material. Initially, the bimetallic organic frame work was prepared which was then subjected to pyrolysis to get the desired product. Techniques like scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to characterize the bimetallic nanoparticles. These analyses revealed that the Co–Mn nanoparticles consisted of finely distributed Mn and Co, along with O in the composites. XRD data confirmed the presence of nano-scale ranges and alloy formation between Co–Mn. The nanoparticles were employed as adsorbent for methyl violet adsorption, with optimized conditions found to be pH 9, temperature 333 K, adsorbents dosage of 0.01 g, and 30 min of contact time. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model best described the adsorption kinetics data whereas Langmuir isotherm exhibited the closest fit, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 625 mg/g at 333 K. Thermodynamic parameters indicated endothermic processes, with ΔH° = 15.155 kJ mol−1, and the process to be spontaneous with negative ΔG° values −0.303, −0.831, and −1.886 (kJ mol−1) at 293 K, 313 K, and 333 K, respectively. The ΔS° value of 52.76 J mol−1K−1 suggested increased disorder at the solid-solution interface during adsorption. The adsorbent could be effectively used in reclamation of dyes loaded water as alternative of activated carbon.
Functional Dissection of Ipsilateral and Contralateral Neural Activity Propagation Using Voltage-Sensitive Dye Imaging in Mouse Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Gusain Pooja , Taketoshi Makiko , Tominaga Yoko , Tominaga Takashi
Published: November 2023

Prefrontal cortex (PFC) intrahemispheric activity and the interhemispheric connection have a significant impact on neuropsychiatric disorder pathology. This study aimed to generate a functional map of FC intrahemispheric and interhemispheric connections. Functional dissection of mouse PFCs was performed using the voltage-sensitive dye (VSD) imaging method with high speed (1 ms/frame), high resolution (256 × 256 pixels), and a large field of view (∼10 mm). Acute serial 350 μm slices were prepared from the bregma covering the PFC and numbered 1–5 based on their distance from the bregma (i.e., 1.70, 1.34, 0.98, 0.62, and 0.26 mm) with reference to the Mouse Brain Atlas (Paxinos and Franklin, 2008). The neural response to electrical stimulation was measured at nine sites and then averaged, and a functional map of the propagation patterns was created. Intracortical propagation was observed in slices 3–5, encompassing the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and corpus callosum (CC). The activity reached area 33 of the ACC. Direct white matter stimulation activated area 33 in both hemispheres. Similar findings were obtained via DiI staining of the CC. Imaging analysis revealed directional biases in neural signals traveling within the ACC, whereby the signal transmission speed and probability varied based on the signal direction. Specifically, the spread of neural signals from cg2 to cg1 was stronger than that from cingulate cortex area 1(cg1) to cingulate cortex area 2(cg2), which has implications for interhemispheric functional connections. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the PFC functional anatomy in evaluating neuromodulators like serotonin and dopamine, as well as other factors related to neuropsychiatric diseases.
Sexual harassment and abuse in sport: some legal and criminological considerations
Authors: Zaksaitė Salomėja
Published: November 2023

Sexual harassment and sexual abuse are not uncommon in the world of sports. Many athletes, especially female athletes, have been victims of violence, intimidation and abuse. For many years, victims remained silent and hid their experiences for fear of condemnation by society and the media, but recent trends show that the situation is improving. More and more athletes are speaking out against sexual harassment and abuse in the world of sport. From a legal point of view, the main feature of sexual harassment cases is that the burden of proof can be shifted to the accused. In criminal law, this mechanism raises concerns about a possible violation of the presumption of innocence. However, as international sports federations apply a lower standard of proof in disciplinary cases, this procedural feature is viewed favourably. At the same time, it should be noted that a lower standard of proof does not in any way mean that sexual harassment and abuse cases can be investigated with less responsibility or sensitivity. On the contrary, the legal and criminological specificity of this phenomenon implies that the boundaries between sexual abuse, sexual harassment, unprofessional conduct, and mere flirting must be clearly defined. Appropriate delimitation ensures, on the one hand, that perpetrators do not escape responsibility, even if it is relatively minor, and, on the other hand, protects the innocent against unfounded accusations.
Teachers and researchers negotiating data-sharing sessions
Authors: Grujicic-Alatriste Lubie , Kahn Gabrielle
Published: November 2023

This article describes two pilot studies of teacher feedback elicited during two data-sharing sessions in two different colleges in the Northeastern United States. The main goal of the pilots was to understand the extent to which a discourse study's findings obtained from different educational settings are relevant to the daily practices of active language teachers. The researchers created feedback-collection tools in the form of questionnaires and simplified datasets, and staged small informal data-sharing/feedback-gathering sessions that carefully followed a construct called Framework for Application. The practitioners were college language and writing teachers and tutors with TESOL or similar educational backgrounds, representing different degrees of expertise and experience. The preliminary findings reveal deep complexities of research sharing, confirming the reiterative nature of reflexive processes and the need for continuous revision of the feedback tools, for a more comprehensive understanding of teachers’ educational backgrounds, and for a far more extensive investment in time and resources than initially anticipated. The study concludes that a fuller understanding of the nature of practitioners’ language-teaching expertise in the classroom would be more likely to bring higher levels of mutual trust and stronger reflexive practices.
Interaction, asymmetries of knowledge and experience and the impact of theory on the in situ practice of coaching
Authors: Clifton Jonathan , Jacobs Geert , Vandendaele Astrid , Valeiras-Jurado Julia
Published: November 2023

Coaching is often presented as an equitable working alliance between a coach who has theory-driven expert knowledge and a coachee who has knowledge of himself/herself. However, whilst this assumption is widely promoted in coaching literature, little research has sought to investigate the in situ practice of coaching in which these different territories of knowledge are negotiated. Using Cooren's notion of communication as a form of ventriloquism as an approach to the analysis of data taken from a corpus of 21 naturally occurring career coaching interactions, the purpose of this paper is to investigate how the coach's mobilisation of theory impacts the in situ practice of career coaching. The findings indicate that the interplay of the coach's theory-driven knowledge and the coachee's experience-driven knowledge is not necessarily as harmonious as the coaching literature assumes. We close the paper by advocating a critical approach to analysing coaching interaction that may have payoff for practice.
Soundscapes of two rural communities in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Jódar-Sánchez Jose Antonio
Published: November 2023

This article presents an analysis of the soundscapes in two rural communities in northwestern Papua New Guinea where the endangered languages Srenge and Walman are spoken. These languages have no written tradition and therefore are not publicly displayed in signage. In the last few years, the discipline of linguistic landscape studies has fostered the study of aspects of the visual semiotics of public signs together with aspects of other semiotic modalities including interactional semiotics and auditory semiotics. By discussing the sounds of instruments, conch shells, place names, recitations, and messenger birds in areas where Srenge, Walman, and other languages are spoken, the aim is twofold. The first goal is to fill a gap in the study of semiotic systems that play a role in linguistic landscapes by focusing on a rural area and on auditory semiotics. The second goal is to document anthropological knowledge in an area that is extremely rich culturally and linguistically but where language attrition and cultural loss have been greatly accelerated in the last few decades.