bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of titanium nanoparticles on the corrosive activity of de-icing agents
Authors: Polischuk S.D. , Fadeev I.V. , Churilov D.G. , Churilova B.B.
Published: June 2023

The article considers the processes of corrosion of the vehicle body influenced by road pollution components. It is noted that the support frameworks, especially their bottom, are most susceptible to corrosion damage. This is due to the presence in such bodies of seams, gaps, as well as hollow elements (spars, amplifiers, thresholds), which create favorable conditions for the occurrence and development of corrosion processes. A decisive role in this process is played by aggressive pollution of the road surface. The study of samples of the road surface of the highway has showed that they mainly include the following components: ammonium ions NH4+, sulphates SO42–, chlorides Cl–, nitrates NO3–. When assessing the corrosivity of the road surface pollution, comparative studies were carried out with sodium chloride solution, which showed that the road simulating environment (RSE) is equivalent in corrosivity to 5 % aqueous solution of sodium chloride. Experimental data on the dependence of steel corrosion in selected media on the duration of exposure and aeration of solutions are presented. Aeration of solutions increases corrosion losses of steel by 37.50% in sodium chloride solution and by 64.20 % in RSE. Kinetic equations for the dependence of the corrosion rate on time are derived. A hypothesis has been put forward that it is possible to effectively protect vehicle bodies from corrosion with the help of inhibitors with the addition of nanoparticles (NPs). In this regard, potassium monoborate (PMB) and PMB + titanium dioxide nanoparticles were studied as a corrosion inhibitor in RSE. It has been experimentally proven that PMB reduces the corrosivity of RSE, and titanium dioxide NPs enhance this effect. This composite can be recommended as an effective anti-corrosion additive.
Analysis of protection of the northern Kazakhstan cities from surface runoff waters
Authors: Shtykova I.V. , Kuzmina N.A.
Published: June 2023

The purpose of the research is to determine the amount of surface runoff formation in the cities of the northern Kazakhstan region and to improve the urban environment quality with rational use of surface runoff of meltwater and rainwater. The goal is achieved by analyzing the features of atmospheric water management on the example of the city of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Ecosystem solutions in the field of integrated management of surface wastewater as a measure of adaptation to climate change are considered. The atmospheric runoff level is analyzed, an integrated approach to surface runoff management and a nature-oriented landscape for decentralized water resources management are proposed. A project has been designed for city safety and mobility. Indeed, in recent years, the spread of sustainable development approaches and the transition to a “green” economy has led to a change in the basic concepts of territorial management of natural resources and environmental protection. This is caused by the fact that the ecosystem approach has become widely used in the management of biological and physical systems. The ecosystem approach is based on the idea that all ecosystem components are closely interconnected, and changes in one component can lead to negative consequences for the others. In this way, the ecosystem approach helps to ensure more efficient use of resources, improve the quality of life of the population, and protect the environment.
Stability of the optimal schedule for perishable product processing
Authors: Egamov Albert I.
Published: June 2023

In linear programming tasks, the optimal solution can remain the same even with a significant deviation of the initial data. Thus, when studying various problems in economic and mathematical analysis, the question of the optimal solution stability often arises. The problem of finding the optimal schedule for processing perishable products is solved below. For example, we could refer to sugar beet, an important strategic product that degrades during storage, losing sucrose over time according to some law, depending on time and (or) variety. Other things being equal, with an increase in incoming sucrose, the yield of the final product - sugar, also increases, therefore, by maximizing incoming sucrose, it is possible to significantly increase the production profitability. In practice, equipment often breaks down, therefore, the processing of raw materials stops for a while, but not its degradation. In this regard, the optimal schedule after the production resumption may change, or it may remain the same. Definitions of the optimal schedule stability are given. It is proved that the optimal schedules for the main special cases are absolutely stable. Examples of conditional stability and local stability for a period are given, as well as a numerical experiment showing averaged absolute and relative losses for various parameters of raw materials batches and various periods of production stoppage.
“Usage a CRISPR/Cas9-based for obtaining knockouts of economically significant cattle genes”
Authors: Bruter A. , Okulova Yu. , Lysikova E. , Silaeva Yu. , Makutina V. , Krivonogova A.
Published: June 2023

An experimental work dealing with the gene modification using the Cas9 RNA-based editing system was performed. Point site-specific breakpoints in gDNA were introduced at the zygote stage by microinjection of spCas9 mRNA protein and guide RNAs into the zygote cytoplasm. Oocytes that extruded the first and second polar bodies were used for the injection. 2 series of microinjections of gene editing designs for early bovine embryos were made. The degeneration ranged from 10% to 56% in different groups. A total of 100 injections were performed. Cleavage was started by 78% of the surviving oocytes; 5 embryos reached the blastocyst stage, which was 16% of the number of dividing embryos. All the resulting embryos were analyzed to evaluate the efficiency of editing. gDNA was isolated from all embryos that had reached the blastocyst stage. Using Sanger sequencing of genes of interest in pre-implantation bovine embryos and biopsies from them, it was shown that in 5 out of 17 embryos resulting from microinjections of guide RNA against the BLG gene and SpCas9 mRNA, and in 2 out of 9 embryos after microinjections of guide RNA against CD209 gene and SpCas9 mRNA, the required genome modifications were found. This is indicative of the high efficiency of this delivery method of the editing system.
Employment in rural areas
Authors: Voronin B.A. , Voronina Ya.V. , Fateeva N.B. , Petrova L.N. , Petryakova S.V. , Kukhar V.S.
Published: June 2023

Currently, labor relations in modern Russia are regulated on the basis of the Constitution of the Russian Federation (1993), the norms of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation, and other regulatory legal acts adopted at the federal level and in the subjects of the Russian Federation. Legal acts containing employment and labour statutes were also adopted by local self-government bodies until 2006. The rural area is a place of labor and economic activity mainly for residents of rural settlements. The spheres of labor relations are usually agriculture and forestry, and in some regions, subsurface resources management and other types of economic activity. The main legal document regulating the complex of relations, including labor relations, in agriculture is the Federal Law “On the Agriculture Development” and legal acts of agrarian legislation adopted at the level of federal authorities and in the subjects of the Russian Federation. Labor activity in the field of forest management is regulated by the Forest Code of the Russian Federation and regulatory legal acts of forest legislation. Labor relations in other spheres of economic activity in rural areas are regulated by relevant legal acts at the federal level and at the level of the subjects of the Russian Federation. In addition to production organizations in rural areas, there are non-profit entities in which rural residents work. A significant number of the rural population is employed in private subsidiary farmings.
Long term results of total hip arthroplasty with cemented and cementless tapered femoral component
Authors: Factor Shai , Rutenberg Tal Frenkel , Garceau Simon , Gold Aviram , Morgan Samuel , Snir Nimrod , Warschawski Yaniv
Published: June 2023

Background: Excellent midterm results for total hip arthroplasties (THA) with cementless, tapered porous Taperloc® femoral stems have been reported. Reports regarding such cemented stems, however, are lacking. Objectives: To evaluate the long-term outcomes of both cemented and cementless THAs with the Taperloc femoral component. Methods: The medical records of 71 patients (76 hips), operated on between January 1991 and December 2003, who had a minimum follow-up of 10 years were available for analysis. Functional analysis was performed with the Harris hip score (HHS) questionnaire and the numerical analogue scale (NAS). Radiographic analysis was performed for subsidence, radiolucent lines and osteolysis. Results: The cohort was comprised of 47 female and 24 male patients, with a mean age of 59.7 ± 12.4 years. The mean follow-up was 17.8 ± 4.4 years. 52.6% of THAs analyzed were cementless and 47.4% were cemented. Post-operative radiographs were available for 57 surgeries. Subsidence, hypertrophic ossification, radiolucent lines and osteolysis were noted in 4 (7%), 2 (2.6%), 14 (18.4%) and 11 (14.5%) hips respectively. The average HHS score at a mean follow-up of 20.1 ± 3.9 years was 62.1 (±27.7) and the NAS score was 4.6 (±3.6). During the study period, five revision surgeries were performed due to stem-related problems, one of which was for aseptic loosening. Conclusions: Our long-term experience with the Taperloc stem, both cemented and cementless, demonstrates good outcomes, with low rates of failure. This makes this prosthesis an attractive option for THAs. Level of Evidence: IV
Serum Periostin Levels are Significantly Higher in Patients with
Primary Hyperparathyroidism and Closely Related to Osteoporosis
Authors: Yigitdol Ismail , Gulumsek Erdinc , Ozturk Huseyin Ali , Arici Fatih Necip , Akbal Kubilay , Pirinci Okan , Karacay Mert , Cihan Tutku Naz , Totik Zeynep Gizem , Akyildiz Mustafa Aykut , Avci Begum Seyda , Avci Akkan , Sumbul Hilmi Erdem
Published: June 2023

Background Periostin is an emerging biomarker that plays a role in bone
metabolism and may be associated with bone mineral density (BMD). This study is
aimed to investigate serum periostin levels in patients with primary
hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and its correlation with BMD in these patients.

Methods Forty patients with newly diagnosed PHPT without co-morbidities
and 30 healthy controls were included. Laboratory tests for the diagnosis of
PHPT and serum levels of periostin were measured for all patients. BMD was
measured on lumbar spines L1 and L4 by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA).
Serum periostin levels were detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
(ELISA).

Results Serum periostin levels were significantly higher in patients with
PHPT than in healthy controls (p<0.001). Serum periostin levels were
also significantly higher (mean 59.7±11.0 ng/mL) in PHPT
patients with osteoporosis than those without osteoporosis (p=0.004). In
logistic regression analysis, only serum periostin levels independently
predicted the patients with osteoporosis. According to this analysis, every
1 ng/mL increase in serum periostin increased the risk of having
osteoporosis by 20.6%. When the cut-off for serum periostin level was
49.75 ng/mL, the patients with osteoporosis were predicted with
71.4% sensitivity and 69.2% specificity. Multivariate regression
analysis revealed a negative correlation between serum periostin levels and
L1-L4 T scores on DEXA.

Conclusion This is the first study to determine that serum periostin
levels are higher in PHPT patients than those without PHPT and to demonstrate a
significant association between serum periostin levels and T scores on DEXA in
patients with PHPT. These findings will aid in detecting osteoporosis in
patients with PHPT and making the decision for surgery in PHPT patients with no
need for DEXA imaging that involves radiation.
Evaluating the Role and Impact of Health Literacy for Patients Undergoing Knee Surgery
Authors: Gieg Samuel D. , Stannard James P. , Cook James L.
Published: June 2023

Health literacy is defined as “the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic medical information and services and the competence to use such information and services to enhance health.” Much of the research regarding health literacy in orthopaedic surgery has focused on readability of educational materials. However, the role of health literacy in patient-reported outcomes is somewhat unknown. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the body of literature pertaining to health literacy and knee surgery outcomes. A literature search was performed using keywords and MeSH terms in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, and Cochrane. Articles written between 1990 and 2021 were evaluated for inclusion. The title and abstract of all studies returned in each database search were screened. In the case that these did not provide sufficient information, the full-text article was reviewed. The initial database search returned a total of 974 articles for review. Eight of these were duplicate results, and one article had been retracted after publication, leaving a total of 965 to be screened for inclusion. Ninety-six articles remained after screening titles and abstracts for relevance. After applying inclusion criteria, six articles remained and were included in this review. It is clear that health literacy impacts patient outcomes in health care and this review suggests that general and musculoskeletal health literacy affect patient expectations, outcomes, and satisfaction before and after knee surgery. However, the peer-reviewed literature on this topic is still deficient in terms of determining effective methods for addressing this barrier to optimal patient care. Research should focus on further elucidation of the relationships among health literacy, readability, and patient education for optimizing patient outcomes and satisfaction across orthopaedic subspecialties.
Ethnically Sensitive Rhinoplasty
Authors: Deeb Robert
Published: June 2023

Ethnically sensitive rhinoplasty presents a unique challenge. There are a large number of variations in skin tone, skin thickness, and structural deformities, which require a high degree of thoughtfulness and planning. A thorough history and physical examination are the cornerstone to achieving a good result. An open and honest discussion is necessary to fully understand the patient's goals. The surgeon should clearly define which goals are achievable and which are not. An individualized approach with special consideration toward maintaining ethnic heritage is imperative. Conservative techniques will help achieve a natural, balanced outcome and will allow for preservation of nasal function.
Success Rate and Related Factors of Vitapex Pulpectomy in Primary Teeth: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Mekkriangkrai Duangsamon , Nakornchai Siriruk , Jirarattanasopha Varangkanar
Published: June 2023

Objectives Our aims were to evaluate the Vitapex pulpectomy (PE) success rate, Vitapex resorption rate, and their associated factors in primary teeth.

Material and Methods This retrospective study evaluated the clinical records of Vitapex PE-treated patients at the Pediatric Dental Clinic, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, from 2013 to 2019. The patient's and pulpectomized tooth's characteristics, procedure, materials used, and type of operator were recorded. A dentist evaluated and compared the periapical lesion, root status, obturation quality, and Vitapex resorption on preoperative, immediate, and follow-up digital radiographs. PE failure was defined as radiographic lesion progression.

Statistical Analysis The Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate the Vitapex PE success rate and Vitapex resorption rate. Multivariate Cox regression was used to determine the related factors.

Results In total, 647 Vitapex PE teeth from 448 patients (19–121-month-old) were analyzed. The follow-up periods ranged from 6 to 60 months. The success rate was 88.9 and 68.1% at the 12- and 24-month follow-up, respectively, and remained stable at 53.8% at the 36 to 60-month follow-ups. The factors related to Vitapex PE failure were age and a preoperative pathologic lesion. More than 50% of the pulpectomized teeth presented Vitapex resorption faster than physiologic root resorption at the 12-month follow-up. The patients' age at treatment and the obturation quality were significantly related to the Vitapex resorption rate.

Conclusions The success rate of Vitapex PE decreased time dependently and was related to the patient's age at treatment and a preoperative lesion. The Vitapex resorption was faster than root resorption and was associated with the patient's age at treatment and the root filling extravasation.
In vitro Study of Temperature Changes on the Outer Root Surface of Extracted Human Teeth Under Different Parameters of Intracanal Cryotherapy
Authors: Todorova Marieta Valentinova , Dimitrova Silviya Dimitrova , Zagorchev Plamen Ivanov
Published: June 2023

Objectives The aim of the present study is to investigate the temperature changes on the outer root surface of extracted human teeth during irrigation with different volumes of solutions at different temperatures.

Materials and Methods Thirty premolars extracted for orthodontic or periodontal indications were used for the first experiment and 12 for the second experiment. Root canals were instrumented using WaveOne Gold. Thermosensors were attached to the apical 5 mm and to the middle 5 mm of the outer root surface. Control irrigations with 0.9% NaCl, 2.5% NaOCl, and 17% EDTA at room temperature and experimental irrigations at 2.5°C with 0.9% NaCl, 2.5°C with 2.5% NaOCl, and 2.5°C with 17% EDTA were conducted.

Results During the intracanal cryotherapy, a minimum temperature more than 10°C lower than the initial temperature value was reached. There was no significant difference between the lowest temperature values reached in the irrigations carried out with the three irrigation solutions studied. These results indicate that the effect of intracanal cryotherapy can be successfully achieved using all three types of irrigation solutions, i.e., NaOCl, 0.9% NaCl, EDTA. Intracanal cryotherapy needed to last more than 2 minutes to achieve more than 10°C difference with the initial temperature.

Conclusions A total of 5 mL of irrigation solution for 5 min is insufficient to achieve a cryotherapeutic effect. A temperature difference of 10°C between initial and lowest temperatures recorded was reached fastest at a volume of 20 mL.
A Rare Case of COVID-19-Associated Solitary Aspergillus Brain Abscess
Authors: Parambil Rajeev Mandaka , Thavara Binoy Damodar , Francis Saji , Valsan Poornima Mankara , Jose Byjo Valiyaveetil , Mangla Vishal , Sreenivasan Harikrishnan , Cholakkal Shanavas
Published: June 2023

Surgically operated case of solitary Aspergillus brain abscess caused by Aspergillus fumigatus in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patient is not reported. The authors report a case of 33-year-old diabetic female patient presented with generalized seizure followed by left hemiparesis. Patient was treated with steroids for COVID-19 pneumonia. Initial imaging revealed a right frontal lobe infarct that later confirmed as a case of frontal lobe abscess. Patient underwent craniotomy and thick yellow pus was drained. Abscess wall was excised. Postoperatively patient improved with Glasgow coma scale 15/15 and Medical Research Committee grade 5 power of all limbs. Microbiological examination of pus was done. The gram stain showed numerous pus cells with acute angle branching hyphae. Gomori methenamine silver (GMS) preparation showed filamentous black colored hyphae. Mycelial colonies appeared on chocolate agar after 48 hours of incubation. Cellophane tape mount from the plate showed conical shaped vesicle with conidia arising from the upper third of vesicle. Light green velvety colonies appeared on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar that later turned into smoky green. The isolate was identified as Aspergillus fumigatus. The hematoxylin and eosin stain of abscess wall section showed extensive areas of necrosis with few fungal hyphae. GMS stain of abscess wall showed fungal hyphae that are septate and showing acute angled branching which are consistent with Aspergillus species. Patient was treated with voriconazole. Imaging done after 8 months of surgery revealed no residue. Surgical excision of life-threatening solitary Aspergillus brain abscess along with antifungal medication voriconazole carries good result. The authors believe that decreased immunity in patient has contributed to the development of this rare disease. This is a rarest case of surgically operated solitary brain abscess caused by Aspergillus fumigatus in COVID-19 patient.
Hundred Pediatric Cases Treated for Chiari Type II Malformation with Hydrocephalus and Myelomeningocele
Authors: Encarnacion Daniel , Chmutin Gennady , Chaurasia Bipin , Bozkurt Ismail
Published: June 2023

Background Chiari malformation type II (CM-II) may not always present as an asymptomatic disorder but prove to be difficult in managing. This is especially true for neonates who show the worst prognosis. There is confounding data over whether shunting or craniocervical junction (CVJ) decompression should be employed. This retrospective analysis summarizes the results of 100 patients diagnosed and treated for CM-II along with hydrocephalus and myelomeningocele.

Methods We reviewed all the children who were diagnosed and surgically treated for CM-II at the Moscow Regional Hospital. Surgical timing was decided on the clinical conditions of each patient. Urgent surgery in the more compromised patients (usually infants) and elective surgery for patients with less severe conditions was performed. All patients first underwent CVJ decompression.

Results The retrospective review yielded 100 patients operated on for CM-II with concomitant hydrocephalus and myelomeningocele. The average herniation was 11.2 ± 5.1 mm. However, herniation level did not correlate with clinical findings. Concomitant syringomyelia was observed in 60% of patients. More severe spinal deformity was observed in patients with widespread syringomyelia (p = 0.04). In children of the younger age group, cerebellar symptoms and bulbar disorders were more frequently observed (p = 0.03), and cephalic syndrome was noted much less frequently (p = 0.005). The severity of scoliotic deformity correlated with the prevalence of syringomyelia (p = 0.03). Satisfactory results were significantly more often observed in patients of the older age group (p = 0.02). Patients with unsatisfactory results at the time of treatment were significantly younger (p = 0.02).

Conclusion If CM-II is asymptomatic, then no specific treatment is prescribed. If the patient develops pain in the occiput and neck, then pain relievers are prescribed. If a patient has neurological disorders or concomitant syringomyelia, hydrocephalus or myelomeningocele, surgical intervention is indicated. The operation is also performed if the pain syndrome cannot be overcome within the framework of conservative therapy.
Refractory Delayed Pneumocephalus after Transsphenoidal Cyst Drainage for Rathke's Cleft Cyst in a Patient with a Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunt
Authors: Hashiba Tetsuo , Nonaka Masahiro , Iwamura Haruka , Kamei Takamasa , Takeda Junichi , Asai Akio
Published: June 2023

A 75-year-old man presented with bilateral lower limb weakness to our hospital from another clinic. Radiological examinations implied the possibilities of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) and a suprasellar cyst, but both were observed conservatively at that time. Due to the progressive gait disturbance, a lumboperitoneal shunt was implanted 1 year later. The clinical symptoms improved, but the cyst had grown after another year, causing visual impairment. Transsphenoidal drainage of the cyst was performed, but delayed pneumocephalus occurred. Repair surgery was performed with temporary suspension of shunt function, but pneumocephalus relapsed two and a half months after the resumption of shunt flow. In the second repair surgery, the shunt was removed because it was assumed that it would prevent closure of the fistula by lowering intracranial pressure. Two and a half months later, after confirming involution of the cyst and no pneumocephalus, a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was implanted, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage has not relapsed since then. The coexistence of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) and Rathke's cleft cyst (RCC) is rare, but it can occur. RCC can be cured by simple drainage, but delayed pneumocephalus can occur in cases whose intracranial pressure decreases due to CSF shunting. When simple drainage without sellar reconstruction for RCC is attempted after CSF shunting for coexistent iNPH, attention should be paid to changes in intracranial pressure, and it is desirable to stop the flow of the shunt for a certain period.
B-Cell Lymphoma Intramedullary Tumor: Case Report and Systematic Review
Authors: Gonsalves Daniel Gregório , Raffa Paulo Eduardo Albuquerque Zito , de Sousa Gabriela Gerenutti , Rigueiral Melissa Esposito Gomes , Estevão Iracema Araújo , Pacheco Cesar Cozar , Medeiros Roger Thomaz Rotta , Franceschini Paulo Roberto , de Aguiar Paulo Henrique Pires
Published: June 2023

Intramedullary tumors represent the major cause of spinal cord injuries, and its symptoms include pain and weakness. Progressive weakness may concomitantly occur in the upper and lower limbs, along with lack of balance, spine tenderness, sensory loss, trophic changes of extremity, hyperreflexia, and clonus. The study protocol was in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A systematic search of the MEDLINE electronic database was performed to identify the studies reporting the clinical features of children and adults who presented with an intramedullary lymphoma. Twenty-one studies were included, reporting 25 cases. Manuscripts were excluded if the full-text article was not available, original data were not reported (e.g., review articles), or if the main disease was not intramedullary lymphoma. A structured data extraction form was employed to standardize the identification and retrieval of data from manuscripts. To enlighten the discussion, a case is also presented. An 82-year-old woman with Fitzpatrick skin type II, diagnosed and treated for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma 7 years ago, was admitted with mental confusion and memory loss for the past 2 months—evolving with recurring falls from her own height. One day before admission, she displayed Brown-Séquard syndrome. An expansive lesion from C2 to C4 in the cervical spinal cord was found and a hypersignal spinal cord adjacent was described at the bulb medullary transition to the C6–C7 level. A primary spinal cord tumor was considered, as well as a melanoma metastasis, due to the lesion's flame pattern. The patient presented a partial recovery of symptoms and a reduction of the spinal cord edema after being empirically treated with corticosteroids, but the lesion maintained its extent. Subsequently, a large diffuse B-cell lymphoma with nongerminal center was found in open body biopsy, infiltrating neural tissue. The main objective of the present study is to report a surgical case treated for a large diffuse B-cell lymphoma, in addition to presenting the results of a systematic review of primary intramedullary spinal cord lymphoma.
Hybrid Laparoscopic and Ultrasound-Guided Thermal Ablation of Recurrent Renal Cell Carcinoma in a Patient with von Hippel-Lindau Disease and a Solitary Kidney
Authors: Clements Warren , Lechmiannandan Sivaneswaran , Campbell Nicholas , Moriarty Heather K.
Published: June 2023

von Hippel-Lindau disease is an inherited autosomal dominant multisystem cancer syndrome. Multiple malignancies including renal cell carcinoma (RCC) occur in approximately 40%. A 69-year-old female presented with recurrent RCC in a solitary kidney, after previous partial nephrectomy and ablation. The 19-mm lesion was anterior and adherent to the descending colon, obviating percutaneous hydrodissection. A combined urology-interventional radiology procedure was performed including laparoscopic division of adhesions and mobilization of the colon, followed by direct laparoscopic and ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation. This novel approach was technically and clinically successful, which highlights the advantages of working in a multidisciplinary environment.
NIOSH Hearing Loss Prevention Program for Mining
Authors: Peterson Jeffrey Shawn , Azman Amanda S.
Published: June 2023

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) continues to be a pervasive problem for the nation's workforce, particularly the nation's mining personnel. As one of the leading health and safety organizations in the world, the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) in Pittsburgh maintains a Hearing Loss Prevention Program (HLPP) to conduct research to reduce NIHL loss among the nation's miners. This document provides a brief overview of this HLPP, describing some of the research techniques involved in the development of engineering noise controls, methods for the development of administrative noise controls, and some of the products available to the public to protect the nation's workers hearing.
‘Carrot and stick’ approach to housing demolition and relocation under flexible authoritarianism in urban China
Authors: Li Chen , He Shenjing
Published: June 2023

In the context of the reconfigured state-society relation, Chinese states’ modes of crisis management have profoundly transformed, featuring the state’s greater efforts in reconciling the conflicts among the state machinery of capital accumulation, political stability maintenance and the increasingly diversified societal needs. However, how the local state performs specific missions accordingly in handling day-to-day conflicts on the ground remains under-examined. Accounting for the mundane yet nontrivial conflict resolving strategies featuring ‘carrot and stick’ approach, this article aims to fill this gap by examining the underlying logic, the operational mechanism, and the socioeconomic implications of flexible authoritarianism at the local level, based on an empirical investigation on how local state handles nail households in housing demolition and relocation in Dalian, China. We define ‘carrot and stick’ approach as a manifestation of flexible authoritarianism on the ground, which employs a variety of formal and informal strategies as well as administrative and market instruments to handle nail households-induced conflicts that are constitutive of the renewed state-society relation. This study reveals that the ‘carrot and stick’ approach under flexible authoritarianism has been rationalized as an efficient way for the local state to maintain political and social stability whilst sustaining the momentum of economic growth, thus widely employed in China. This research deepens our theoretical and empirical understanding of the dynamic state-society relation and flexible authoritarianism, and offers a detailed interpretation of why and how such hybrid and flexible ‘carrot and stick’ approach is rendered inevitable under the current politico-economic environment, power structure, legal and institutional configuration in urban China.
From pencils to pineapples: finding honeycombs everywhere
Authors: Piccone Ashley
Published: June 2023

Software tool analyzes large datasets to identify regular and irregular honeycomb structures.
Quantum dynamics calculations on isotope effects of hydrogen transfer isomerization in formic acid dimer
Authors: Li Fengyi , Liu Xiaoxi , Yang Xingyu , Cao Jianwei , Bian Wensheng
Published: June 2023

We present a quantum dynamics study on the isotope effects of hydrogen transfer isomerization in the formic acid dimer, and this is achieved by multidimensional dynamics calculations with an efficient quantum mechanical theoretical scheme developed by our group, on a full-dimensional neural network ab initio potential energy surface. The ground-state and fundamental tunneling splittings for four deuterium isotopologues of formic acid dimer are considered, and the calculated results are in very good general agreement with the available experimental measurements. Strong isotope effects are revealed, the mode-specific fundamental excitation effects on the tunneling rate are evidently influenced by the deuterium substitution of H atom with the substitution on the OH bond being more effective than on the CH bond. Our studies are helpful for acquiring a better understanding of isotope effects in the double-hydrogen transfer processes.
Size-dependent reactivity of chromium oxide cluster anions (CrO3)1−4O− towards alkanes
Authors: Wei Gong-Ping , Zhao Yan-Xia , He Sheng-Gui
Published: June 2023

The reactivity of chromium oxide cluster anions (CrO3)1−4O− towards low carbon (C1−C4) alkanes has been experimentally investigated at 298 K by employing a homemade ship-lock-type reactor coupled with a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. The results demonstrate that while CrO4− and Cr2O7− clusters could abstract a hydrogen atom from C2H6 and CH4, respectively, Cr3O10− and Cr4O13− clusters were found to be inert towards n-C4H10 within the detection limit. Theoretical results reveal that CrO4− and Cr2O7− clusters possess delocalized chromium-bonded oxygen radicals (Cr−O−·), which rationalizes the hydrogen atom abstraction reactions between (CrO3)1,2O− clusters and alkanes. However, the active sites of (CrO3)3,4O− clusters evolve to peroxide species (O22−), which exhibit inferior activity compared to O−· radicals. The increase of Cr-3d orbital energy driven by the more negative charge around CrOy unit formed via downsizing the cluster size has been proposed to account for favorable reduction of O22− and selective generation of reactive O−· radicals in small-sized (CrO3)1,2O− clusters. This study not only enriches the chemistry of metal-bonded O−· radicals toward alkane activation under mild conditions, but also provides a new insight into the conversion between O22− and O−· radicals over metal oxides.
Effect of powered electrode configuration on plasma structure of surface micro-discharge array
Authors: Wang Zhiwei , Feng Chunlei , Gao Liang , Liu Chen , Ding Hongbin
Published: June 2023

Surface micro-discharge (SMD) has received growing interest for its great prospect in various emerging applications spanning the fields of biomedicine, manufacturing, and agriculture. Discharge properties and the nature of the chemical species are heavily dependent on the electrode configuration. However, insight into the effect of electrode configuration on SMD remains scarce. This paper reports on the effect of the geometry of the powered planar electrode on the dynamic evolution of plasma in a helium SMD array at atmospheric pressure. The observed symmetric and asymmetric luminous patterns correspond to odd and even numbered current pulses in negative half-cycle, respectively. When the powered electrode is not covering the full area of the mesh unit of the grounded electrode, the luminous pattern dominated by the negative pattern consists of three parts: the distinct luminous channel, the flabelliform luminous area, and the discontinuous cambered channels under the incomplete powered electrode condition. The distinct luminous channel is ascribed to the propagation of the bullet-like plasma volume originated at the middle part of the mesh side before merging with other plasmas. The merging plasma forms a cambered front and continuous to propagate, leading to the formation of a flabelliform area. The discontinuous cambered channels result from the propagation of bullets ignited at the mesh corners, especially the slide of luminous area with maximum emission intensity along the streamer. Moreover, the mesh element without a powered electrode can also initiate breakdown due to the sufficiently high voltage and the propagation of surface charges, suggesting that the grounded mesh electrode should be extended to avoid redundant discharges.
Copper-based halide films with high photoluminescence quantum yield in the visible region deposited in situ by double source aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Balderas Aguilar Jesús Uriel , Becerril-Landeros Luis Alberto , Garduño Wilches Ismael Arturo , García-Hipólito M. , Rodríguez-Gómez Arturo , Escobar-Alarcon Luis , Falcony Ciro , Alonso-Huitrón Juan Carlos
Published: June 2023

A huge family of luminescent low-dimensional metal halides for optoelectronic applications has emerged recently as a green alternative to the highly toxic lead halide phosphors. To date, studies on the controlled deposition of these materials as films to be integrated into optoelectronic architectures remain scarce. Here, the synthesis and characterization of highly luminescent films of copper halide phosphors with emissions in violet: K2CuCl3, blue: Cs5Cu3Cl6I2, and green: Cs3Cu2Cl5 are reported. The films were obtained by multisource aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition (AACVD) from methanolic solutions at low temperature and under ambient conditions. Photoluminescent quantum yield values obtained for the films deposited on quartz substrates have values of 52% for K2CuCl3, 85% for Cs5Cu3Cl6I2, and 99% for Cs3Cu2Cl5. These values were highly influenced by the substrate since for samples deposited on glass substrates the values are 26.17% for K2CuCl3, 60.47% for Cs5Cu3Cl6I2, and 59.7% for Cs3Cu2Cl5. Different textured morphologies, with valuable applications in light-harvesting, were found for each stoichiometry. Finally, x-ray photo-emitted spectroscopy was employed to demonstrate the existence of only Cu(I) highly emissive species, suggesting that AACVD could be an excellent alternative for metal halide film deposition.
A hypothetical polymorph of copper(II) guanidinium formate
Authors: Yuan Shurong , Stroppa Alessandro , Phillips Anthony E.
Published: June 2023

The hybrid perovskite copper(ii) guanidinium formate, C(NH2)3[Cu(HCO2)3], is a close analog of the inorganic material KCuF3, a well-studied exemplar of the Heisenberg spin-12 antiferromagnetic chain. However, the polymorphism known in KCuF3, based on different orbital ordering of the d9 Cu2+ ions, has never been observed in C(NH2)3[Cu(HCO2)3]. We use density-functional theory calculation to construct a hypothetical polymorph of the hybrid perovskite analogous to the known structure of KCuF3. This polymorph is very similar in geometric and magnetic structures to the known phase of C(NH2)3[Cu(HCO2)3], but it is no longer polar. It has only a marginally higher internal energy than the known phase but also a lower vibrational entropy and, hence, higher free energy. Furthermore, stacking faults are far more energetically costly in C(NH2)3[Cu(HCO2)3] than in KCuF3. These results together help to explain why KCuF3 is experimentally polymorphic but C(NH2)3[Cu(HCO2)3] is not. The detailed comparison between analogous inorganic and hybrid materials illustrates the subtle differences that can arise from replacing atomic ions with molecular ions and that may be exploited in crystal engineering of these materials.
Impact of M atomic species on physical properties of M2TlC (M = Ti, Zr, Hf): A first principles calculation
Authors: Sohel M. , Uddin M. M. , Ali M. A. , Hossain M. M. , Islam A. K. M. A. , Naqib S. H.
Published: June 2023

We characterize the physical feature of M2TlC (M = Ti, Zr, and Hf) MAX phase ternary carbides applying density functional theory. Along with previously calculated structural, elastic, and electrical properties, Vickers hardness, dynamical stability, and optical feature of the phases are also calculated. The Pugh ratio and Poisson’s ratio show the compounds’ brittleness in conjunction with their potent directional covalent bonds and combination of ionic contributions. The metallic character of the phases is supported by the Fermi level overlap of the conduction band and valence band. The examined materials have moderate hardness, according to the Vickers hardness, with the Hf2TlC combination having the highest value of 2.60 GPa. A number of well-known phenomena are used to compute and thoroughly analyze the optical characteristics. Notably, all investigated compounds show reflectivity above 44% up to 12.0 eV energy, which is encompassed by the infrared and visible regions. The compounds could therefore be used, in practice, as a coating material to lessen solar heating.
Interference competition following a recent invasion of plague skinks (Lampropholis delicata) into a nationally critical native skink population
Authors: Wells Sarah J. , van Winkel Dylan , Barr Ben P.
Published: June 2023

Context Invasive species can threaten native species through exploitative and interference competition if they occupy similar ecological niches. The invasive plague skink (Lampropholis delicata) has been accidently introduced to New Zealand, Lord Howe Island, and the Hawaiian Islands. Resource usage overlaps between plague skinks and several New Zealand skinks, suggesting the potential for exploitative and interference competition. However, no competitive mechanism or population impact has been identified. In 2014–15, plague skinks colonised Bream Head Scenic Reserve, Northland, New Zealand, where they overlap in occupancy and habitat with the ‘Nationally Critical’ kakerakau skink (Oligosoma kakerakau). Aims We investigated intra- and interspecific interference competition between kakerakau and plague skinks in the wild. Methods We recorded naturally occurring encounters and quantified aggression at a short-lived resource (sun-basking sites). Key results Behavioural interactions were observed in 72% of all encounters with similar proportions of encounters resulting in agonistic interactions between intraspecific kakerakau skink encounters and interspecific kakerakau-plague encounters. Although kakerakau skinks and plague skinks reacted equally aggressively in an interspecific interaction, kakerakau skinks behaved significantly more aggressively in an interaction with a plague skink than with a conspecific. Juvenile kakerakau skinks were more likely than adults to exhibit submissive behaviours such as fleeing during interspecific interactions. Conclusions This is the first evidence of interference competition occurring between plague skinks and a native skink. Our study suggests that kakerakau skinks, particularly juveniles, may experience competitive exclusion at important resources. Implications Our findings indicate that plague skinks may pose a threat to native skink populations when habitat use overlaps.
Flourishing in Spanish
Authors: Strambi Antonella , Gadd Anna , Luzeckyj Ann , Rubino Antonia , Díaz Martínez Javier
Published: June 2023

This paper reports on a pilot implementation of the FL2 approach and resources, developed to support tertiary students’
wellbeing as well as their second language learning (L2). The FL2 approach and learning activities were piloted in two Spanish language
courses at Australian universities. Evaluation data were collected through an online survey of participating students and compared to the
results of previous pilots conducted with students of Italian. Responses to scale items and open-ended questions indicate that the majority
of participants greatly enjoyed their experiences in the courses and were satisfied with the learning opportunities provided, which shows
potential for the FL2 approach. Evaluations of seven Positive Psychology-informed learning activities also piloted in this study were more
nuanced. Taken together, these results suggest that designing curriculum to support student wellbeing as well as disciplinary learning can
yield positive results. However, careful consideration must be given to alignment between FL2 activities and curriculum, as well as to
students’ individual differences in the reception of Positive Psychology-informed activities.
The genre specifics of Englishwh-exclamatives
Authors: Schröder Daniela
Published: June 2023

This paper puts forward the hypothesis thatwh-exclamatives in Present-day English are much more genre-specific than has previously been acknowledged. To test this, prototypicalhow- andwhat-exclamatives are searched for in three different corpora containing material from conceptually oral language, that is prose fiction, personal letters and informal, spontaneous face-to-face conversations. The results show that in terms of token frequency,wh-exclamatives are most frequent in personal letters, a genre which has hitherto not been linked with exclamatives. Furthermore, the outcomes demonstrate that each genre shows a different distribution of exclamatives. In all cases, the different structural realizations (clausal vs. non-clausal form) can be connected to the function the exclamative fulfills in the respective genre and to the general properties of the three distinct text types. The results compel us to consider that exclamatives might be more specialized than has been believed so far.
They were not radical, even when they committed that
Authors: Benítez-Castro Miguel-Ángel , Hidalgo-Tenorio Encarnación , Patterson Katie Jane , Moyano Manuel , González Irene
Published: June 2023

Identity conflict and the loss of meaning experienced by some Muslim young people in Western countries are key
factors behind fanaticism, leading some of them to find purpose in life within extremist groups (Adam-Troian et al. 2021; Moyano and González 2021). The
narrative that emerges from the radicalisation process provides a rich source for psychologists and discourse analysts, exploring
not only the ‘why’ and the ‘how’, but also issues stemming from self-perception and other-representation. Such conflict-based
narratives materialise in individuals’ evaluative language patterns (Etaywe and Zappavigna
2022). In this paper, we conduct a close analysis of the discursive construction of emotion and opinion in a collection
of semi-structured interviews with social workers or neighbours who knew the perpetrators of the 2017 terrorist attacks in
Barcelona and Cambrils. To do so, we use corpus-driven methodologies and a refined version of Martin and White’s (2005) Appraisal framework (see Benítez-Castro and
Hidalgo-Tenorio 2019). Our analysis aims to cast light on the social frictions that may have contributed to their
endorsement of violence (Moyano et al. 2021).
Correcting the scientific record
Authors: Lin Yuting
Published: June 2023

The retraction of a previously published research article, often due to the discovery of fraud or scientific error, can pose considerable threat to an author’s career and reputation. This paper examines legitimation strategies in the retraction notice (RN), a document in which authors formally announce their decision to retract an article. By analyzing 300 RNs published between 2010–2021 in Q1 biomedical journals, this study finds that 76% RNs contain at least one legitimation strategy, with Mortification, Full/Partial Denial, and Corrective Action being the most frequently used. Moreover, a comparison of RNs that report fraud, misconduct, error, unreliable data/results, and other similar matters shows that fraud-related RNs have the highest incidence of legitimation strategies. Authors committing fraud often employ Mortification, Disclaimer, and Reassurance, while authors reporting scientific errors put more emphasis on Good Intention and Perseverance. This study contributes to the understanding of legitimation and image repair in scientific discourse.