bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strength, Frost Resistance, and Resistance to Acid Attacks on Fiber-Reinforced Concrete for Industrial Floors and Road Pavements with Steel and Polypropylene Fibers
Authors: Kos Željko , Kroviakov Sergii , Kryzhanovskyi Vitalii , Hedulian Daria
Published: November 2022

A comparison of the effect of steel and polypropylene fibers on the strength, frost resistance, abrasion, and corrosion resistance in an acidic environment of fiber-reinforced concrete for industrial floors and road pavements was carried out. Steel fibers with a length of 50 mm and a diameter of 1 mm and polypropylene fibers with a length of 36 mm and a diameter of 0.68 mm were used. The amount of steel fiber varied from 15 to 25 kg/m3, and the amount of polypropylene fiber varied from 2 to 3 kg/m3. It has been established that steel fiber more significantly increases the concrete compressive strength, and both types of dispersed reinforcement increase the flexural strength equally by 27–34%. Also, dispersed reinforcement reduces the concrete abrasion resistance by 15–35% and increases its frost resistance by 50 cycles, which helps to improve the durability of industrial floors and road pavements. The use of steel fiber in an amount of 20 kg/m3 and polypropylene fiber in an amount of 2.5 kg/m3 also increases the concrete corrosion resistance in an acidic environment. In general, dispersed reinforcement with both fiber types has approximately the same technological effect concerning the mentioned applications. However, the use of polypropylene fibers is economically more profitable since an increase in the cost of 1 m3 of concrete with steel fiber reinforcement is from $22.5 to $37.5, and an increase in cost with polypropylene fiber is from $10 to $15.
Effect of Hot-Rolling Strategy on the Flow Behavior, Productivity, and Mechanical Performance of Ti-6Al-4V Alloy
Authors: El-Shenawy Eman , Mohamed Hussein , Reda Reham
Published: November 2022

This work involves studying the effects of applying various designed hot-rolling strategies, using the uniaxial hot compression regimes of the Gleeble 3500 thermo-mechanical simulator on the microstructure, flow behavior, and productivity of Ti-6Al-4V alloy. These strategies were then practically implemented using a rolling mill to produce finished sheets with a thickness of 3 mm. The tensile properties of these finished Ti-6Al-4V sheets were examined, aiming at attaining the optimum rolling strategy conditions that result in upgrading the mechanical performance of the alloy. The undertaken hot-rolling strategies can be divided into two main groups; both comprise applying a total amount of deformation of 75% at a constant strain rate of 0.1 s−1. The first group, isothermal hot rolling regime (IR), includes three strategies and involves applying the total amount of deformation at constant temperatures, i.e., 900, 800, and 750 °C. The second group, non-isothermal hot rolling regime (NIR), includes three strategies and involves partitioning the total amount of deformation into multi-step deformation at variable temperatures in a range of 900–750 °C. The dynamic flow softening is dominant in all IR strategies after the flow stress attains the peak at a low strain value. Then, dynamic flow softening occurs due to the dynamic recrystallization and α phase spheroidization, while a combination of flow softening and hardening takes place on the different passes of the NIR strategies. The designed hot-rolling strategies result in finished sheets with a fine multimodal microstructure that fructifies different mechanical properties that can be employed for different industrial purposes.
Special Issue: Structural Concrete Material—New Trends for Eco-Efficiency and Performance
Authors: Júlio Eduardo , Bogas Alexandre , Costa Hugo
Published: November 2022

During the last few years, structural concrete has experienced significant advances, stimulated by the demand for stricter requirements in terms of sustainability, durability and strength [...]
Role of Aromatic Herbs and Spices in Salty Perception of Patients with Hyposmia
Authors: Rosa Antonella , Loy Francesco , Pinna Ilenia , Masala Carla
Published: November 2022

Herbs and spices represent a possibility for the improvement of anosmia and ageusia. In this work we evaluated the role of Mediterranean aromatic herbs and spices in the salty taste perception of patients with hyposmia compared to healthy controls. To this goal, the salty taste perception in response to pure salt and different types of commercial flavored sea salt was assessed in patients with hyposmia, with or without a post-acute coronavirus syndrome, and healthy controls. Myrtle berries and leaves, a mixture of Mediterranean herbs and plants such as helichrysum, rosemary, liquorice, fennel seeds and myrtle leaves, oranges and saffron were used as salt flavoring ingredients. Differences in gustatory perception between 57 patients with hyposmia and 91 controls were evaluated considering the rate of the gustatory dimensions of pleasantness, intensity, and familiarity, using a 7-point hedonic Likert-type scale. At a dose of 0.04 g/mL, saline solutions of flavored salts, with an average 15% less NaCl, were perceived by patients with hyposmia as equally intense but less familiar than pure salt solution, with similar scores in the pleasantness dimension. Our study highlighted the central role of Mediterranean aromatic plants in the enhancement of salty perception in patients with hyposmia.
Nutrition Disturbances and Metabolic Complications in Kidney Transplant Recipients: Etiology, Methods of Assessment and Prevention—A Review
Authors: Górska Monika , Kurnatowska Ilona
Published: November 2022

Nutrition disturbances occur at all stages of chronic kidney disease and progress with the decrease of the kidney filtration rate. Kidney transplantation (KTx) as the best form of kidney replacement therapy poses various nutritional challenges. Prior to transplantation, recipients often present with mild to advanced nutrition disturbances. A functioning allograft not only relieves uremia, acidosis, and electrolyte disturbances, but also resumes other kidney functions such as erythropoietin production and vitamin D3 metabolism. KTx recipients represent a whole spectrum of undernutrition and obesity. Since following transplantation, patients are relieved of most dietary restrictions and appetite disturbances; they resume old nutrition habits that result in weight gain. The immunosuppressive regimen often predisposes them to dyslipidemia, glucose intolerance, and hypertension. Moreover, most recipients present with chronic kidney graft disease at long-term follow-ups, usually in stages G2–G3T. Therefore, the nutritional status of KTx patients requires careful monitoring. Appropriate dietary and lifestyle habits prevent nutrition disturbances and may improve kidney graft function. Despite many nutritional guidelines and recommendations targeted at chronic kidney disease, there are few targeted at KTx recipients. We aimed to provide a brief review of nutrition disturbances and known nutritional recommendations for kidney transplant recipients based on the current literature and dietary trends.
Tibouchina granulosa Leaves Present Anti-Inflammatory Effect
Authors: Guilhon Carolina Carvalho , Minho Alan Silva , Pouliot Marc , Boylan Fabio , Fernandes Patricia Dias
Published: November 2022

The ethanol extract (EE) prepared from the leaves of Tibouchina granulosa, and its fraction in ethyl acetate (fEA) were evaluated concerning their capacity to reduce inflammation in different experimental models. fEA was also studied concerning its chemical constituents. EE and fEA were assayed for their anti-inflammatory potential, using formalin-induced licking behavior and carrageenan-induced inflammation into the subcutaneous air pouch (SAP) models. Reduction in polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) activation was performed in freshly isolated PMN. Chromatographic analysis of fEA was performed by HPLC-DAD. Hispiduloside was isolated as the main constituent in fEA, and its quantity was estimated to be 39.3% in fEA. EE (30 mg/kg) significantly reduced the second phase of formalin-induced licking. fEA demonstrated a reduction in leukocyte migration into the SAP. EE and fEA drastically reduced cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IFN-γ), nitric oxide (NO) production, in vitro PMN migration induced by C5a and IL-8, and TNF-α and IL-1β gene expression. Taken together, our data indicate that either ethanol extract or its fEA fraction from leaves of T. granulosa present an anti-inflammatory effect, contributing to the pharmacological and chemical knowledge of this species and confirming the rationale behind its traditional use.
New Nanosized Systems Doxorubicin—Amphiphilic Copolymers of N-Vinylpyrrolidone and (Di)methacrylates with Antitumor Activity
Authors: Kurmaz Svetlana V. , Ignatiev Vladislav M. , Emel’yanova Nina S. , Kurmaz Vladimir A. , Konev Dmitry V. , Balakina Anastasiya A. , Terentyev Alexey A.
Published: November 2022

Nanosized systems of DOX with antitumor activity on the base of micelle-like particles of amphiphilic thermosensitive copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone (VP) with triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDM), and N-vinylpyrrolidone and methacrylic acid (MAA) with TEGDM were explored. They were investigated in aqueous solutions by electron absorption spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering and cyclic voltammetry. Experimental data and quantum-chemical modeling indicated the formation of a hydrogen bond between oxygen-containing groups of monomer units of the copolymers and H-atoms of OH and NH2 groups of DOX; the energies and H-bond lengths in the considered structures were calculated. A simulation of TDDFT spectra of DOX and its complexes with the VP and TEGDM units was carried out. Electrochemical studies in PBS have demonstrated that the oxidation of encapsulated DOX appeared to be easier than that of the free one, and its reduction was somewhat more difficult. The cytotoxicity of VP-TEGDM copolymer compositions containing 1, 5 and 15 wt% DOX was studied in vitro on HeLa cells, and the values of IC50 doses were determined at 24 and 72 h of exposure. The copolymer compositions containing 5 and 15 wt% DOX accumulated actively in cell nuclei and did not cause visual changes in cell morphology.
An Alternative Device for the Topical Treatment of Oral Cancer: Development and Ex-Vivo Evaluation of Imiquimod-Loaded Polysaccharides Formulations
Authors: Remiro Paula de Freitas Rosa , Nagahara Mariana Harue Taniguchi , Ghezzi Martina , Filippini Alessia , Demurtas Anna , Pescina Silvia , Santi Patrizia , Padula Cristina , Moraes Ângela Maria , Nicoli Sara
Published: November 2022

The topical use of imiquimod (IMQ), a non-specific immune response modifier, showed to be a promising therapeutic option for the early-stage treatment of some type of oral cancer, even when performed with a formulation (Aldara®) developed and approved for skin application. The aim of this work was the development of buccal formulations for the topical administration of IMQ with improved mucosal retention and reduced trans-mucosal permeation when compared to the reference formulation. Three different hydrogels based on carboxymethyl chitosan (CMChit), sodium alginate (A), and xanthan gum (X) in different combinations were prepared, and the loading of imiquimod was successfully performed by using a micellar formulation based on d-α-tocopheril polyethylene glycol 100 succinate (TPGS). Except for CMChit formulation, in all the other cases, the performance in vitro on the mucosa resulted comparable to the commercial formulation, despite the drug loading being 50-fold lower. Converting the gels in films did not modify the IMQ accumulated with respect to the correspondent gel formulation but produced as a positive effect a significant reduction in the amount permeated. Compared to the commercial formulation, this reduction was significant (p < 0.01) in the case of X film, resulting in an improvement of the retained/permeated ratio from 1 to 5.44. Mucoadhesion evaluation showed similar behavior when comparing the developed gels and the commercial formulation, and an excellent bioadhesion was observed for the films.
Alternative Excipients for Protein Stabilization in Protein Therapeutics: Overcoming the Limitations of Polysorbates
Authors: Castañeda Ruiz Angel J. , Shetab Boushehri Maryam A. , Phan Tamara , Carle Stefan , Garidel Patrick , Buske Julia , Lamprecht Alf
Published: November 2022

Given their safety and efficiency in protecting protein integrity, polysorbates (PSs) have been the most widely used excipients for the stabilization of protein therapeutics for years. In recent decades, however, there have been numerous reports about visible or sub-visible particles in PS-containing biotherapeutic products, which is a major quality concern for parenteral drugs. Alternative excipients that are safe for parenteral administration, efficient in protecting different protein drugs against various stress conditions, effective in protein stabilization in high-concentrated liquid formulations, stable under the storage conditions for the duration of the product’s shelf-life, and compatible with other formulation components and the primary packaging are highly sought after. The aim of this paper is to review potential alternative excipients from different families, including surfactants, carbohydrate- and amino acid-based excipients, synthetic amphiphilic polymers, and ionic liquids that enable protein stabilization. For each category, important characteristics such as the ability to stabilize proteins against thermal and mechanical stresses, current knowledge related to the safety profile for parenteral administration, potential interactions with other formulation components, and primary packaging are debated. Based on the provided information and the detailed discussion thereof, this paper may pave the way for the identification or development of efficient excipients for biotherapeutic protein stabilization.
Photo-Phytotherapeutic Gel Composed of Copaifera reticulata, Chlorophylls, and k-Carrageenan: A New Perspective for Topical Healing
Authors: Campanholi Katieli da Silva Souza , da Silva Junior Ranulfo Combuca , Gonçalves Renato Sonchini , de Oliveira Mariana Carla , Pozza Magali Soares dos Santos , Leite Angela Tiago , da Silva Leandro Herculano , Malacarne Luis Carlos , Bruschi Marcos Luciano , Castilha Leandro Dalcin , dos Santos Tatiana Carlesso , Caetano Wilker
Published: November 2022

Chronic wound healing represents an impactful financial burden on healthcare systems. In this context, the use of natural products as an alternative therapy reduces costs and maintains effectiveness. Phytotherapeutic gels applied in photodynamic therapy (PDT) have been developed to act as topical healing medicines and antibiotics. The bioactive system is composed of Spirulina sp. (source of chlorophylls) and Copaifera reticulata oil microdroplets, both incorporated into a polymeric blend constituted by kappa-carrageenan (k-car) and F127 copolymer, constituting a system in which all components are bioactive agents. The flow behavior and viscoelasticity of the formulations were investigated. The photodynamic activity was accessed from studies of the inactivation of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, the main pathogen of hospital relevance. Furthermore, in vivo studies were conducted using eighteen rabbits with dermatitis (grade III and IV) in both paws. The gels showed significant antibiotic potential in vitro, eliminating up to 100% of S. aureus colonies in the presence or absence of light. The k-car reduced 41% of the viable cells; however, its benefits were enhanced by adding chlorophyll and copaiba oil. The animals treated with the phytotherapeutic medicine showed a reduction in lesion size, with healing and re-epithelialization verified in the histological analyses. The animals submitted to PDT displayed noticeable improvement, indicating this therapy’s viability for ulcerative and infected wounds. This behavior was not observed in the iodine control treatment, which worsened the animals’ condition. Therefore, gel formulations were a viable alternative for future pharmaceutical applications, aiming at topical healing.
Plant Nanovesicles for Essential Oil Delivery
Authors: Zuzarte Mónica , Vitorino Carla , Salgueiro Lígia , Girão Henrique
Published: November 2022

Essential oils’ therapeutic potential is highly recognized, with many applications rising due to reported anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, anti-aging, and anti-cancer effects. Nevertheless, clinical translation still remains a challenge, mainly due to essential oils’ volatility and low water solubility and stability. The present review gathers relevant information and postulates on the potential application of plant nanovesicles to effectively deliver essential oils to target organs. Indeed, plant nanovesicles are emerging as alternatives to mammalian vesicles and synthetic carriers due to their safety, stability, non-toxicity, and low immunogenicity. Moreover, they can be produced on a large scale from various plant parts, enabling an easier, more rapid, and less costly industrial application that could add value to waste products and boost the circular economy. Importantly, the use of plant nanovesicles as delivery platforms could increase essential oils’ bioavailability and improve chemical stability while reducing volatility and toxicity issues. Additionally, using targeting strategies, essential oils’ selectivity, drug delivery, and efficacy could be improved, ultimately leading to dose reduction and patient compliance. Bearing this in mind, information on current pharmaceutical technologies available to enable distinct routes of administration of loaded vesicles is also discussed.
Sulfonated Block Copolymers: Synthesis, Chemical Modification, Self-Assembly Morphologies, and Recent Applications
Authors: Piñón-Balderrama Claudia I. , Leyva-Porras César , Conejo-Dávila Alain Salvador , Zaragoza-Contreras Erasto Armando
Published: November 2022

Scientific research based on the self-assembly behavior of block copolymers (BCs) comprising charged-neutral segments has emerged as a novel strategy mainly looking for the optimization of efficiency in the generation and storage of electrical energy. The sulfonation reaction re- presents one of the most commonly employed methodologies by scientific investigations to reach the desired amphiphilic character, leading to enough ion concentration to modify and control the entire self-assembly behavior of the BCs. Recently, several works have studied and exploited these changes, inducing improvement on the mechanical properties, ionic conduction capabilities, colloidal solubility, interface activity, and stabilization of dispersed particles, among others. This review aims to present a description of recent works focused on obtaining amphiphilic block copolymers, specifically those that were synthesized by a living/controlled polymerization method and that have introduced the amphiphilic character by the sulfonation of one of the segments. Additionally, relevant works that have evidenced morphological and/or structural changes regarding the pristine BC as a result of the chemical modification are discussed. Finally, several emerging practical applications are analyzed to highlight the main drawbacks and challenges that should be addressed to overcome the development and understanding of these complex systems.
Experimental Investigation on Ablation Behaviors of CFRP Laminates in an Atmospheric Environment Irradiated by Continuous Wave Laser
Authors: Zhang Yongqiang , Pan Jinwu , Zhou Shuhan , Yin Qianfeng , Zhang Jialei , Xie Wenbo , Tan Fuli , Zhang Wei
Published: November 2022

In order to understand the ablation behaviors of CFRP laminates in an atmospheric environment irradiated by continuous wave laser, CFRP laminates were subjected to a 1080-nm continuous wave laser (6-mm laser spot diameter), with different laser power densities carried out in this paper. The internal delamination damage in CFRP laminates was investigated by C-Scan. The rear- and front-face temperature of CFRP laminates were monitored using the FLIR A 655 sc infrared camera, and the rear-face temperature was monitored by K type thermocouples. The morphology of ablation damage, the area size of the damaged heat affected zone (HAZ), crater depth, thermal ablation rate, mass ablation rate, line ablation rate, etc., of CFRP laminates were determined and correlated to the irradiation parameters. It is found that the area size of the damage HAZ, mass ablation rate, line ablation rate, etc., increased as the laser power densities. The dimensionless area size of the damaged HAZ decreased gradually along the thickness direction of the laser irradiation surface.
Effects of Hygrothermal Aging and Cyclic Compressive Loading on the Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Conductive Composites
Authors: Yi Shuwang , Xie Long , Wu Zhi , Ning Weiming , Du Jianke , Zhang Minghua
Published: November 2022

Conductive polymers and their composites have been widely applied in different applications, including sensing applications. Herein, we constructed a conductive composite of polypropylene, carbon black, and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (PP/CB/MWCNTs) to experimentally study its sensing behaviors in a humid thermal environment. The as-synthesized PP/CB/MWCNT composite polymer was immersed in simulated sweat in deionized water at 67 °C. Regarding their electrical and mechanical properties, different experimental parameters, such as cyclic loading and hygrothermal aging, were investigated by recording the mass changes, carrying out strain sensing experiments, and performing dynamic mechanical analyses before and after the immersion test. The results reveal that the filler content improved the rate of water absorption but decreased at higher concentrations of the solution. The sensitivity of the material decreased by up to 53% after the hygrothermal ageing and cyclic loading. Moreover, the sensitivity under cyclic compression loading decreased with an increasing immersion time, qualitatively illustrated by an effective quantum tunneling effect and conducting path model. Finally, hygrothermal aging reduced the composite’s glass transition temperature. This reduction was the most significant for specimens immersed in deionized water, ascribed to the moisture absorption, reducing the molecular chain activity.
Hybrid Manufacturing of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) via the Combination of Material Extrusion Additive Manufacturing and Injection Molding
Authors: Gong Ke , Liu Handai , Huang Cheng , Cao Zhi , Fuenmayor Evert , Major Ian
Published: November 2022

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is a common thermoplastic polymer that has been widely employed in the manufacturing industry due to its impact resistance, tensile strength, and rigidity. Additive manufacturing (AM) is a promising manufacturing technique being used to manufacture products with complex geometries, but it is a slow process producing mechanically inferior products when compared to traditional production processes like injection molding (IM). Thus, our hybrid manufacturing (HM) process combining materials extrusion AM and IM to create a single article was investigated in this study, in which eleven batches of specimens were made and extensively tested. These include the AM, IM, and hybrid manufactured (HYM) samples, in which the HYM samples were made by inserting AM substrates into the IM tool and were varied in infill density of AM preforms and geometries. The HYM samples outperformed AM parts in terms of mechanical performance while retaining customizability dependent on the HYM processing parameters, and the best mechanical performance for HYM samples was found to be comparable to that of IM samples, implying that the overmolding process in HM had primarily improved the mechanical performance of AM products. This work leads to a deeper knowledge of applications to confirm the optimal component fabrication in high design flexibility and mass production.
Optimization and Testing of Hybrid 3D Printing Vitrimer Resins
Authors: Casado Jaime , Konuray Osman , Benet Gerard , Fernández-Francos Xavier , Morancho José Maria , Ramis Xavier
Published: November 2022

The quality of photocure-based 3D printing greatly depends on the properties of the photoresin. There are still many challenges to be overcome at the material level before such additive manufacturing methods dominate the manufacturing industry. To contribute to this exciting re-search, an acrylate-epoxy hybrid and vitrimeric photoresin was studied to reveal the formulation parameters that could be leveraged to obtain improved processability, mechanical performance, and repairability/reprocessability. As the network becomes more lightly or densely crosslinked as a result of changing monomer compositions, or as its components are compatibilized to different extents by varying the types and loadings of the coupling agents, its thermomechanical, tensile, and vitrimeric behaviors are impacted. Using a particular formulation with a high concentration of dynamic β-hydroxyester linkages, samples are 3D printed and tested for repair and recyclability. When processed at sufficiently high temperatures, transesterification reactions are triggered, allowing for the full recovery of the tensile properties of the repaired or recycled materials, despite their inherently crosslinked structure.
The Creator/Creature Distinction in Debates over Models of God
Authors: Mullins R. T.
Published: November 2022

In contemporary theology, one can find an array of models of God to choose from. There are various types of arguments that one can put forth in order to reject one model, or to defend another model. In this paper, I wish to examine one popular type of argument. This argument typically says that one should reject a model of God that blurs the creator/creature distinction. The problem with this kind of argument is that it usually begs the question by presupposing one’s own model of God in the creator/creature distinction. In other words, the argument basically boils down to, ‘I reject your model of God because it is not my preferred model of God.’ On many other occasions, the arguments beg the question by confusing additional metaphysical doctrines with the concepts of creator and creature. In this paper, I shall examine several different versions of the creator/creature distinction argument in an effort to find a version that is not question begging. I shall begin with articulating what I take to be the basics of a Christian understanding of the creator/creature distinction. Then, I shall consider several recent attempts from classical theists to argue that a rival model of God violates the creator/creature distinction. In each case, I shall find the arguments wanting. First, I shall examine James E. Dolezal’s attempt to argue that non-classical models of God violate the creator/creature distinction. I will argue that Dolezal’s attempt is question begging because it sneaks in his own model of God and several questionable metaphysical assumptions into the concepts of creator and creature, and thus goes beyond the basic creator/creature distinction without justification. Second, I shall examine a recent attempt by Kevin J. Vanhoozer to argue that Thomas J. Oord’s panentheistic model of God violates the creator/creature distinction. I will argue that Vanhoozer’s attempt suffers from several conceptual errors.
Religiousness of Young People in Poland as a Challenge to Catholic Education: Analyses Based on a Survey
Authors: Zellma Anna , Kielian Andrzej Michał , Czupryński Wojsław Wojciech , van Dijk-Groeneboer Monique
Published: November 2022

The aim of this paper is to perform a sociological and pastoral analysis of the religiousness of young people in Poland, which is a challenge to Catholic education. The authors analyse this issue based on the empirical study conducted in 2019 and 2020. The study employed an online survey questionnaire. The study included 1171 people, students in grades 7 and 8 of primary schools and of secondary schools in the Małopolskie and Podkarpackie Voivodships in Poland. The paper focuses on young people’s self-declarations concerning: the religion they profess, faith, affiliation with a religious community, a bond to the community, the respondents’ and their parents’ attending religious services, celebrations/masses and praying individually. It was regarded as important to determine the correlations between the self-declarations of affiliation with a religious community and self-declaration of the religion professed and between the self-declarations of faith and bond to a religious community and self-declaration of the religion professed. These issues are enriched with the respondents’ opinions on religion as a school subject. They provide an insight into not only the respondents’ religiousness but also a diagnosis of young people’s attitudes towards religion as a school subject. They allow for conclusions to be drawn on Catholic education in the secularising society, especially with young people increasingly often quitting religious lessons in schools.
The Role of Runoff Attenuation Features (RAFs) in Natural Flood Management
Authors: Quinn Paul Francis , Hewett Caspar J. M. , Wilkinson Mark E. , Adams Russell
Published: November 2022

Natural Flood Management (NFM) and catchment-based solutions for flood risk management and environmental problems are wide-ranging and complex. Management of fluvial flood risk in the UK is undergoing a fundamental shift, with a change in emphasis from solely working with structural defences to considering catchment-based measures which attenuate flood runoff. At the heart of this change are NFM and nature-based solutions. One key type of intervention is the Runoff Attenuation Feature (RAF): a class of features that targets runoff flow pathways and creates new temporary flow storage (such as ponds and leaky barriers). However, there is currently a lack of evidence for the effectiveness of NFM and RAFs at larger catchment scales and for managing extreme flood events. Nevertheless, there is a strong evidence base to suggest that well-designed RAFs deliver a range of ecosystem services if installed in the correct location. This paper reviews and critiques the role of RAFs and NFM as an interventionist and holistic approach to lowering runoff rates. The link between RAF design types and their relationship to land use and scale is made. Recent novel innovations and attempts to scale up RAFs are discussed. The role of antecedent conditions, groundwater and the change in residence time of processes is highlighted. The uncertainty and complexity of proving NFM effectiveness underpin a view that new thinking in catchment flood management is needed. New research is required, and many questions are raised about RAFs and NFM. The direction of travel is that a positive and proactive NFM community can now embrace the problem. Proof that RAFs and NFM can address flood management is not likely to be resolved without a great deal of further research but confidence that RAFs do beneficial work is growing and an argument for greater amounts of runoff attenuation is made.
Uncertainty Assessment of Flood Hazard Due to Levee Breaching
Authors: Goeury Cédric , Bacchi Vito , Zaoui Fabrice , Bacchi Sophie , Pavan Sara , El kadi Abderrezzak Kamal
Published: November 2022

Water resource management and flood forecasting are crucial societal and financial stakes requiring reliable predictions of flow parameters (depth, velocity), the accuracy of which is often limited by uncertainties in hydrodynamic numerical models. In this study, we assess the effect of two uncertainty sources, namely breach characteristics induced by overtopping and the roughness coefficient, on water elevations and inundation extent. A two-dimensional (2D) hydraulic solver was applied in a Monte Carlo integration framework to a reach of the Loire river (France) including about 300 physical parameters. Inundation hazard maps for different flood scenarios allowed for the highlighting of the impact of the breach development chronology. Special attention was paid to proposing a relevant sensitivity analysis to examine the factors influencing the depth and extent of flooding. The spatial analysis of the vulnerability area induced by a levee breach width exhibits that, with increasing the flood discharge, the rise of the parameter influence is accompanied by a more localized spatial effect. This argues for a local analysis to allow a clear understanding of the flood hazard. The physical interpretation, highlighted by a global sensitivity analysis, showed the dependence of the flood simulation on the main factors studied, i.e., the roughness coefficients and the characteristics of the breaches.
New Interpretations of the Adsorption Process of Tetracycline on Biochar via Experimental and Theoretical Studies
Authors: Yahia Manel Ben , Sellaoui Lotfi
Published: November 2022

A theoretical interpretation of the adsorption mechanism of tetracycline (TCCN) on biochar either in raw form (ADS1) or modified by chitosan-Fe/S (ADS2) is reported in the paper. An interpretative model is applied to the adsorption dataset, and considers that the adsorption of TCCN occurs with the formation of two layers on the investigated adsorbent. The theoretical model allows good data interpretation, confirming that TCCN adsorption capacity increases with temperature. The adsorption capacity at saturation (ACS) of TCCN on the ADS1 varied from 61.91 to 91.01 mg/g. while for ADS2 it varied from 135.76 to 202.50 mg/g. This difference is probably related to the difference in adsorbent properties and to the beneficial effect exerted by the adsorbent modification. Modeling results show also that TCCN is removed via a non-parallel orientation on both ADS1 and ADS2. For a thorough analysis of this mechanism, all adsorption energies (TCCN-ADS1, ADS2, and TCCN-TCCN) are determined at different temperatures.
Does Water Brownification Affect Duckweeds in Freshwaters? Results from a Laboratory Experiment
Authors: Pęczuła Wojciech , Tarkowska-Kukuryk Monika , Niedźwiecki Michał
Published: November 2022

The influence of water brownification (an increase in water color) on floating-leaved macrophytes appears to be an important issue in predicting the consequences of climate change in freshwater ecosystems. To fill the gap in the knowledge in this area, we performed a laboratory experiment aiming to test the impact of humic acid (HA) on Lemna minor sampled from an oxbow lake. Plants were exposed over seven days to four different additions of pure HA (resulting in DOC concentrations between 5.0 ± 0.1 mg dm−3 and 36.5 ± 0.4 mg dm−3). Changes in duckweed total fresh biomass, leaf area and the root length were measured, as well as the concentrations of total phosphorus, phosphates and nitrates in the water. The study did not find any significant decrease in either the biomass or leaf area of L. minor under conditions of enhanced HA content. However, we found that a moderate increase in HA in water promoted the growth of duckweed roots, thus, increasing the biomass but not the leaf area. In contrast, a large increase in HA in the water suppressed the growth of roots in L. minor, which was also in coincidence with less nutrient depletion in the water.
Recommendations for the preservation of environmental samples in diatom metabarcoding studies
Authors: Baricevic Ana , Chardon Cécile , Kahlert Maria , Karjalainen Satu Maaria , Pfannkuchen Daniela Maric , Pfannkuchen Martin , Rimet Frédéric , Tankovic Mirta Smodlaka , Trobajo Rosa , Vasselon Valentin , Zimmermann Jonas , Bouchez Agnès
Published: November 2022

Implementation of DNA metabarcoding for diatoms for environmental monitoring is now moving from a research to an operational phase, requiring rigorous guidelines and standards. In particular, the first steps of the diatom metabarcoding process, which consist of sampling and storage, have been addressed in various ways in scientific and pilot studies and now need to be rationalised. The objective of this study was to compare three currently applied preservation protocols through different storage durations (ranging from one day to one year) for phytobenthos and phytoplankton samples intended for diatom DNA metabarcoding analysis. The experimental design used samples from four freshwater and two marine sites of diverse ecological characteristics. The impact of the sample preservation and storage duration was assessed through diatom metabarcoding endpoints: DNA quality and quantity, diversity and richness, diatom assemblage composition and ecological index values (for freshwater samples). The yield and quality of extracted DNA only decreased for freshwater phytobenthos samples preserved with ethanol. Diatom diversity was not affected and their taxonomic composition predominantly reflected the site origin. Only rare taxa (< 100 reads) differed among preservation methods and storage durations. For biomonitoring purposes, freshwater ecological index values were not affected by the preservation method and storage duration tested (including ethanol preservation), all treatments returning the same ecological status for a site. This study contributes to consolidating diatom metabarcoding. Thus, accompanied by operational standards, the method will be ready to be confidently deployed and prescribed in future regulatory monitoring.
Clinical outcomes of and risk factors for secondary infection in patients with severe COVID-19: a multicenter cohort study in South Korea
Authors: Na Yong Sub , Baek Ae-Rin , Baek Moon Seong , Kim Won-Young , Kim Jin Hyoung , Lee Bo young , Seong Gil Myeong , Lee Song-I
Published: November 2022

Background/Aims: Secondary infection with influenza virus occurs in critically ill patients and is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality; however, there is limited information about it in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Thus, we investigated the clinical outcomes of and risk factors for secondary infections in patients with severe COVID-19.Methods: This study included patients with severe COVID-19 who were admitted to seven hospitals in South Korea between February 2020 to February 2021. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess factors associated with the risk of secondary infections.Results: Of the 348 included patients, 104 (29.9%) had at least one infection. There was no statistically significant difference in the 28-day mortality (17.3% vs. 12.3%, p = 0.214), but in-hospital mortality was higher (29.8% vs. 15.2%, p = 0.002) in the infected group than in the non-infected group. The risk factors for secondary infection were a high frailty scale (odds ratio [OR], 1.314; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.123 to 1.538; p = 0.001), steroid use (OR, 3.110; 95% CI, 1.164 to 8.309; p = 0.024), and the application of mechanical ventilation (OR, 4.653; 95% CI, 2.533 to 8.547; p < 0.001).Conclusions: In-hospital mortality was more than doubled in patients with severe COVID-19 and secondary infections. A high frailty scale, the use of steroids and application of mechanical ventilation were risk factors for secondary infection.
Assessment and nonsurgical management of low back pain: a narrative review
Authors: Park Sung Cheol , Kang Min-Seok , Yang Jae Hyuk , Kim Tae-Hoon
Published: November 2022

Low back pain (LBP) is a common condition that affects people of all ages and income levels worldwide. The etiology of LBP may be mechanical, neuropathic, systemic, referred visceral, or secondary to other causes. Despite numerous studies, the diagnosis and management of LBP remain challenging due to the complex biomechanics of the spine and confounding factors, such as trivial degenerative imaging findings irrelevant to symptoms and psychological and emotional factors. However, it is imperative to identify the crucial signs (“red flags”) indicating a serious underlying condition. While many recent guidelines emphasize non-pharmacologic management approaches, such as education, reassurance, and physical and psychological care, as the first option, LBP patients in many countries, including South Korea, are prescribed medications. Multidisciplinary rehabilitation combined with prudent use of medications is required in patients unresponsive to first-line therapy. The development of practical guidelines apposite for South Korea is needed with multidisciplinary discussion.
Diabetes screening in South Korea: a new estimate of the number needed to screen to detect diabetes
Authors: Ha Kyoung Hwa , Lee Kyung Ae , Han Kyung-Do , Moon Min Kyong , Kim Dae Jung
Published: November 2022

Background/Aims: The Korean Diabetes Association (KDA) guidelines recommend adults aged ≥ 40 years and adults aged ≥ 30 years with diabetes risk factors for diabetes screening. This study aimed to determine the age threshold for diabetes screening in Korean adults.Methods: This study was based on the analyses of Korean adults aged ≥ 20 years using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) and the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort (NHIS-NSC). To evaluate screening effectiveness, we calculated the number needed to screen (NNS).Results: NNS to detect diabetes decreased from 63 to 34 in the KNHANES and from 71 to 42 in the NHIS-NSC between the ages of 30–34 and 35–39. When universal screening was applied to adults aged ≥ 35, the NNS was similar to that of adults aged ≥ 40. Compared to the KDA guidelines, the rate of missed screening positive in adults aged ≥ 20 decreased from 4.0% to 0.2% when the newly suggested screening criteria were applied.Conclusions: Universal screening for adults aged ≥ 35 and selective screening for adults aged 20 to 34, considering diabetes risk factors, may be appropriate for detecting prediabetes and diabetes in South Korea.
Le leadership : la fin d’un tabou et le début d’un mythe. Évolution des métiers de l’encadrement scolaire et de leur formation en Suisse romande
Authors: Progin Laetitia
Published: November 2022

Il est désormais attendu que les cadres scolaires relèvent de nombreux défis : incarner le changement ; garantir les transformations y compris pédagogiques ; mettre en œuvre une école à visée inclusive ; convaincre et mobiliser l’ensemble des acteurs et des partenaires dans le cadre de démarches d’auto-évaluation. Dans ce contexte, nous étudions la manière dont les injonctions au leadership ont évolué et ont impacté les cadres scolaires en Suisse romande (la partie francophone de la Suisse) depuis la mise en place d’une formation commune à tous les cadres scolaires en 2008. Cette analyse met en évidence que – sous l’effet notamment de la formation – les cadres ne considèrent plus le leadership comme un mot tabou alors que cela a longtemps été le cas. Ils l’intègrent désormais dans leurs discours quand ils s’expriment sur leur manière d’incarner leur rôle. Le leadership peut, en effet, représenter l’une des manières de prendre en compte la nouvelle gestion publique tout en contribuant à la construction d’un mythe tant dans l’imaginaire collectif qu’au sein des systèmes éducatifs.
Kurgusal mekânın bilimsel ve felsefi boyutları: The Animatrix – The Second Renaissance bölümüne metaverse çerçevesinden bakmak
Authors: YILDIRIM Burcu , KAVUT İsmail Emre
Published: November 2022

Sinema aracılığıyla felsefi öğretiler ve görüşler mekân altyapısında izleyicilere iletilebilir. The Matrix serisi de bu yaklaşımı benimser. Yapılan çalışmada Matrix’in öngörmüş olduğu metaverse mimarisinin bugünün metaverse olgusu ile bağını çözümlemeyerek sinemanın bilimsel değerini sorgulamak amaçlanmaktadır. Çalışmanın evreni Matrix uzamını konu edinen görsel medya ürünleri, örneklemi The Animatrix-The Second Renaissance I-II bölümleridir. Kalitatif araştırma yaklaşımını benimseyen çalışmada görsel içerik analizinden faydalanılmış, literatür taramaları sonucu değerlendirme matrisi için uygun bulunan kavramlar seçili film uzamında aranmıştır. Ana bulguları destekleyen sekanslar seçilerek anlatı akışı içerisinde serimlemeleri gerçekleştirilmiştir. Günümüz metaverse mimarisi katmanları ve film anlatısında öne sürülen metaverse kurgusu karşılaştırmalı olarak değerlendirilerek incelenmiş, benzerlik ve farklılıkları ortaya konulmuştur. Filmin bugünün gerçekleriyle eşleşir öngörüler gerçekleştirdiği ve bu yolla sinemanın bilimsel değerini vurguladığı, bahsi geçen fikir ve görüşlerin mekânsal düzlemde çeşitli öğelerle aktarıldığı ve insan yapay zekâ ilişkisinin geleceğine distopik bir yaklaşım sergileyen film anlatısının bu yolla desteklendiği bulgulanmıştır.
Traducir en la Hos(Ti)Pitalidad: el lenguaje no binario en los productos de ficción actuales
Authors: Martínez Pleguezuelos Antonio Jesús
Published: November 2022

La presente investigación aborda el tratamiento del lenguaje no binario en los productos audiovisuales actuales y su traducción. Para ello, partiremos del concepto de hospitalidad de Derrida y su aplicación a los Estudios de Traducción para entender la configuración de las identidades no binarias como una contradicción discursiva. En la paradoja que describe Derrida, asumimos que para aceptar y recibir al Otro hemos de leerlo en su extrañeza, como algo diferente. Aplicaremos este aparato teórico al uso del lenguaje no binario en productos audiovisuales para estudiar cómo la traducción se convierte en un espacio de reflexión en el que analizar la construcción de identidades de género que no encajan en el paradigma binario aún imperante. Tomaremos algunos ejemplos para observar el modo en que las reescrituras audiovisuales permiten visibilizar o, al contrario, ocultar nuevas manifestaciones del género en la pequeña pantalla.
Source apportionment of VOCs, IVOCs and SVOCs by positive matrix factorization in suburban Livermore, California
Authors: Wernis Rebecca A. , Kreisberg Nathan M. , Weber Robert J. , Drozd Greg T. , Goldstein Allen H.
Published: November 2022

Abstract. Gas- and particle-phase molecular markers provide highly
specific information about the sources and atmospheric processes that
contribute to air pollution. In urban areas, major sources of pollution are
changing as regulation selectively mitigates some pollution sources and
climate change impacts the surrounding environment. In this study, a
comprehensive thermal desorption aerosol gas chromatograph (cTAG) was used
to measure volatile, intermediate-volatility and semivolatile molecular
markers every other hour over a 10 d period from 11 to 21 April 2018
in suburban Livermore, California. Source apportionment via positive matrix
factorization (PMF) was performed to identify major sources of pollution.
The PMF analysis identified 13 components, including emissions from
gasoline, consumer products, biomass burning, secondary oxidation, aged
regional transport and several factors associated with single compounds or
specific events with unique compositions. The gasoline factor had a distinct
morning peak in concentration but lacked a corresponding evening peak,
suggesting commute-related traffic emissions are dominated by cold starts in
residential areas. More monoterpene and monoterpenoid mass was assigned to
consumer product emissions than biogenic sources, underscoring the
increasing importance of volatile chemical products to urban emissions.
Daytime isoprene concentrations were controlled by biogenic sunlight- and
temperature-dependent processes, mediated by strong midday mixing, but
gasoline was found to be the dominant and likely only source of isoprene at
night. Biomass burning markers indicated residential wood burning activity
remained an important pollution source even in the springtime. This study
demonstrates that specific high-time-resolution molecular marker
measurements across a wide range of volatility enable more comprehensive
pollution source profiles than a narrower volatility range would allow.